Canterbury claim another title

Canterbury claim another title

25 Oct 2008

Hayden Hopgood scored the only try of the match as Canterbury beat Wellington 7-6 in the final of the national provincial championship.

The domestic title is Canterbury’s first since 2004 and  adds to the Super 14 crown claimed earlier this year.

As the scoreline suggests, it wasn’t an open affair, but rather a tense and tight one. Hopgood’s 25th minute try was eventually the difference between the two sides, but Wellington had their chances to sneak what would have been a rare title – they have now lost five of their last six showpieces.

The weather was not conducive to running rugby and Canterbury’s trademark defence again proved the difference between them and their competitors.”That was quite an effort considering how we had to hang on in that second half,” said Canterbury captain Kieran Read.

“Wellington just threw everything at us and we had to keep applying ourselves. We back our ‘D’ and it came out on top tonight.”

The victory ensures departing players Greg Somerville, Paul Williams, Hopgood, and Scott Hamilton (who is on his way to join Heyneke Meyer at Leicester) leave on a memorable note.

Wellington - Penalties: Piri Weepu (2).
Canterbury -Try: Hayden Hopgood,  Conversion: Colin Slade.


11 Comments

  • 1.goyougoodthing2: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2008, 12:23 pm

    Canterbury Dragons

  • 2.Loosehead: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2008, 12:24 pm

    7-6? And here I thought that the Elvis DRAGONS were going to increase the number of tries scored?

  • 3.goyougoodthing2: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2008, 12:25 pm

    Well done Catabs… pity about my Wellington team losing in the end… not a great game to watch really, hope it isn’t an omen for CC final as the weather could be similar!

  • 4.AiDoc: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2008, 16:28 pm

    At this rate Tana will never retire!

    PS Baa Baa Dragons?

  • 5.out wide: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2008, 23:28 pm

    Well done Canty and hard luck Piri and the boys. “Youse” played a great game but in the end that Cantybury ability to offload in time and their support play won the game. Enjoyed the test rugby atmosphere despite some poor officiating of the game.

  • 6.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2008, 04:38 am

    Nailbiting stuff!

  • 7.RedBull : Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2008, 10:26 am

    Why was the stadium so empthy? I would think that the kiwis would be able to pack a stadium for a final.

  • 8.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2008, 10:32 am

    #7 RedBull (formerly RedLion):
    Empthy?
    Yeah you would have thought but didnt happen like that did it.I knew there would be a couple of clowns like you wondering about the crowd and who gives a toss

  • 9.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2008, 10:52 am

    You watch it for free on TV.

  • 10.kiwinaaier: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2008, 12:46 pm

    If it was possible to care less about who won the npc, I would. However, it isn’t, so I won’t.

  • 11.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2008, 12:47 pm

    #9 TheTackler:
    Yeah TV is what i do.I live 5 mins drive from Jade Stadium and i have been there twice in 5 years to watch a game.One of those times i was given a ticket.

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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