The Southland rugby team has dedicated its successful defence of the Ranfurly Shield against Auckland to their province which was hit hard by storms over the last week.
Hundreds of people were at Rugby Park during the week shovelling snow off the ground in an attempt to prevent the game being moved to Dunedin.
The match stayed in Invercargill and the Stags repaid their fans with another display of dogged defence.
The half time score was 3-3. A penalty 10 minutes before the end meant Southland won 9-6.
Co-coach Dave Henderson says the side drew inspiration from the spirit of the Southland community and wanted to give them "something to smile about".
The next challenge for the Shield is in two weeks, by Canterbury.
The win also took Southland to the top of the national provincial championship series.
