Well, half a century is quite a wait, and judging by the turnout at Invercargill Airport yesterday, following the Southland rugby team's 9-3 win over Canterbury on Thursday night, winning the Ranfurly Shield is just the best of things.
The airport was packed to the rafters yesterday morning as a crowd of about 3000 anticipated the return of the victorious Southland Stags from Christchurch with the most prized trophy in domestic rugby, after a 50-year drought.
The supporters began arriving before 10am, by car and by bus, a sea of maroon and gold, with flags for waving, balloons, and rugby balls for signing.
And while anticipation grew, the stories flowed, with strangers happily chatting about their own Ranfurly Shield experiences, with all agreeing the final 15 minutes of the game were the longest in their lives.
There were tales of children crying, drunken dads keeping families awake, phone calls to and from friends from around the country, overloaded lines, dozens of texts and of a pride in their province.
Stags captain Jamie Mackintosh was one of the last of the team to exit the plane, briefly holding the shield aloft at the top of the steps, to the delight of the watching crowd.
From babies to pensioners, school kids to workers, it would be fair to say productivity levels in Southland dropped yesterday as work and education were put on hold for celebrations.
The players, some who had been up all night, were surprised by the large turnout, but appreciated the warm welcome.
A parade has been organised for Tuesday.
The shield will stay in Southland for the summer before challengers, in all likelihood including Otago, start lining up next winter.
