In Hamilton on Saturday afternoon, Waikato comfortably overcame the challenge of Northland, their 19th successful Ranfurly Shield defence since 1997.

There was considerable pre-match expectation that Northland would pose a serious threat to Waikato's grip on the Shield, but the game was effectively over by half time as the home side mercilessly capitalised on the challengers' errors to score four tries.In the process they sent out a warning to other NPC sides that they will be serious contenders for honours this season.

Waikato got the best possible start, outstanding centre Keith Lowen bursting across the Northland line after his forwards had set up a series of powerful surges which stretched the defence.Glen Jackson, who was to score 22 points in an excellent all round performance, kicked the conversion.Northland then enjoyed their best spell of the game , dominating the next 10 minutes, levelling the scores with a Berryman try after forward control from a lineout and threatening to take control in the forward exchanges.

However, sensing their opportunity, Northland lost their composure, made mistakes which led to possession being turned over and Waikato were quick to regain the initiative.Wing Roger Randle scored the first of his two tries after Lowen had broken through in midfield and although Northland continued to dominate in set piece play and enjoy territorial dominance they could not create clearcut chances.

Either side of the half hour, Waikato secured the NPC bonus point and sealed the match. Firstly, lock Chresten Davis powered over, having ignored an overlap on his right, then Randle was the beneficiary of turnover ball in the middle of the field.Jackson's conversion of both tries, and of a penalty just before the break,gave his side a 29-7 lead at half time .

Northland had to attack to give themselves any chance in the second half.They did so, but Waikato defended resolutely, confident in the knowledge that as Northland became more desperate the errors would increase.This is precisely what happened, the handling fumbles and turned over possession destroying any chance of Northland building or sustaining any sort of pressure.Fly half Jackson added a try, a conversion and two penalties to take his side over the half century, hooker Coleman and centre McLeod also adding to the try tally.Fijian sevens star Fero made an appearance for Northland during the final quarter, and duly seized upon an intercept to race away for a converted try, Northland's only second half points.But the game had long been lost and Northland's effort had become ragged.

Waikato will be delighted by their defence of the Shield, the five championship points and the quality of their performance. Skipper Deon Muir led superbly, Royce Willis had an excellent all round game in tight and loose to alert All Black selectors to his presence and Jackson controlled play very well from fly half.

Northland will be disappointed that their challenge was sunk before it really got afloat. In the first half they showed they had the forward power to compete , but unforced errors and lack of poise and quality amongst the backs cost them the match.Openside flanker Justin Collins was probably the man of the match, he was a constant threat with the ball in hand and a tireless tackler and support runner.They will need to go away and work out ways of improving ball retention.

Waikato now have to plan for further challenges from Southland, North Harbour, Auckland and Canterbury. There promise to be some epic encounters amongst that lot.

Scorers :

Waikato : 52 : Tries : Randle (2),Lowen, Davis, Coleman, Jackson, McLeod. Conversions : Jackson : (4). Penalties : Jackson (3).

Northland : 14 : Tries : Berryman, Fero.Conversions : H.Taylor (2).