The 2007 Heartland Championship-winning North Otago rugby team with the Meads Cup. ODT file photo. : Rugby: Shield fever returns to Oamaru (+ pics)

Former All Black winger John Kirwan runs past the log o' wood in front of a big crowd at the 1993 Ranfurly Shield challenge against North Otago. ODT file photo. : Rugby: Shield fever returns to Oamaru (+ pics)

The scoreboard says it all. ODT file photo. : Rugby: Shield fever returns to Oamaru (+ pics)

Players leave the field after the unsuccessful challenge against Canterbury in 2003. ODT file photo. : Rugby: Shield fever returns to Oamaru (+ pics)

A North Otago player dives forward in the 2003 challenge against Canterbury. ODT file photo. : Rugby: Shield fever returns to Oamaru (+ pics)

North Otago crossed the try line four times during its valiant 2003 Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury. ODT file photo. : Rugby: Shield fever returns to Oamaru (+ pics)