Canterbury were defending champions and favourites for this match but Manawatu were playing on home turfand determined to create an upset.
Benn Seebeck opened the scoring for Canterbury on the end of a short hole chop, followed immediately by Bevan Erueti responding for Manawatu on a long ball play 1-1
Several minutes later Scott Grant passes into a short hole for Paora Peawini to score fro Canterbury. Manawatu responded late in the half when Eugene Hepi intercepted a pass on his own line and sprinted the length of the field to score. 2-2
Both teams then traded touchdowns for a 4-4 halftime score, the pick being an intercept by Keiran Te Whare for Manawatu, who intercepted in his own line, beat Eli Doornabal’s despairing dive, and ran the length of the field to score
Canterbury started the second half strongly scoring four uncontested touch downs, with Benn Seebeck prominent throughout as the game quickly slipped away from Manawatu.
The home side reduced the deficit when Andre Robinson intercepted, outsprinted the opposition, and scored but Canterbury wouldn't be denied.
Canterbury, who favoured the wrap around long ball play to score to good effect, ran out eventual winners 11 – 5.
Last Modified on 28/02/2012 16:49
