The score does not always tell the story.

The record books will show Hawke’s Bay overwhelmed Poverty Bay 95-22 in their Ranfurly Shield match at Napier’s McLean park on Saturday.

But the 73-point difference does not fully reflect the gritty and admirable performance of the underdog challengers, particularly up front.

The Magpies, featuring a host of Super Rugby players, former Gisborne Boys’ High School first 15 player Isaia Walker-Leawere and 17-test All Black halfback Brad Weber, ran in 13 tries.

But it was the four in reply from the visitors that drew the biggest cheers.

And it wasn’t one-way traffic, with Poverty Bay having plenty of possession over the 80 minutes.

Two of their tries went to first-five-eighth Mitch Purvis on debut for the Bay and in front of his father and former All Black Graham Purvis.

Mitch won’t forget running over the top of Weber for his first five-pointer.

And his second, albeit somewhat fortuitous, gave Poverty Bay the last say on fulltime.

The other tryscorers were winger Hunter Mokomoko, who happily intercepted a pass from Walker-Leawere, and second five Ted Walters after strong forward play.

Yes, the defence was leaky, with the hosts scoring many of their tries from broken play and regularly finding holes in the wide channels.

There were also a few issues at lineout time.

But Poverty Bay head coach Miah Nikora and his crew had plenty to be positive about as they build towards the Heartland Championship season.

Prop James Higgins had a stormer while lock Dan Law and busy halfback Ruan du Plooy, also on debut, impressed as Poverty Bay fought to the final whistle.

Along with retaining the Shield, Hawke’s Bay also won the Des Sutton Cup played for between the provinces.