Waikato wins the Ranfurly Shield for the first time - defeating North Auckland 6-3. The team are given a grand welcome on their return home and 'shield fever' strikes the region.
The Mooloo mascot emerges during Waikato's first shield reign
Waikato captain Hugh McLaren after the successful Ranfurly Shield challenge in 1951
The 1951 Ranfurly Shield-winning Waikato team
The first ever Mooloo (1951)
1952
Waikato loses the Ranfurly Shield to Auckland, but soon regains it off them when a 'Mooloo Invasion' of Auckland leads to a 6-3 win.
Mooloo parades are held on the morning of challenge matches.
Has Catley plays his 100th game for the province to becomes Waikato's first centurion.
Mooloo fans at a 1950s Mooloo Parade
A packed Rugby Park during the 1950s for a Waikato vs Auckland match
1954
Waikato is labelled as 'New Zealand's champion province'.
Waikato scores vs Auckland during one of their many classic battles in the 1950s
1956
Waikato secures a famous 14-10 victory over the Springboks after a massive Mooloo parade.
Waikato halfback Ponty Reid kicks during Waikato's famous win over South Africa
1956 Waikato team that downed the Springboks at Rugby Park
1957
Dick Everest becomes All Blacks coach.
Legendary Waikato coach Dick Everest with the Springbok head in 1956
1959
New stand at Rugby Park is opened.
An aerial view of Rugby Park before the new stand was erected in the late 1950s
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