Stags shield defence boosts farmers

Federated Farmers Southland is paying tribute to Jamie Mackintosh and the Southland Stags for their successful Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland last evening.

“The boys have done us all proud and have shown what heart and spirit is all about,” says Rod Pemberton, Federated Farmers Southland provincial president.

“I can tell you that it’s like a big ray of sunshine. For the first time in a week, I’m seeing smiles on the faces of farmers. It’s a real boost because these guys played hard for Southland and we’re all walking around, that bit taller.

“It’s been frankly a week from hell for everyone in-town or on-farm, with the damage done to Stadium Southland, businesses and our farms.

“Jamie Mackintosh and the boys got that and it seems the tougher it is, the better our Stags played. Beating Auckland for the first time in 39 years and keeping the log of wood is huge.

“I think it shows just why our Southland community spirit is so strong. Every player in the Stags is close to the community and our community is close to them.

“On behalf of the region’s farmers can I say thank you to Jamie, the team and their management because you’ve lifted us all,” Mr Pemberton concluded.