Canterbury hold off late BOP Shield challenge
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Canterbury have held on in their first defence of this Ranfurly Shield tennure with a thrilling 33-28 win over Bay of Plenty in Christchurch in front of nearly 20,000 spectators.
After taking the Shield from Otago last weekend - but it was looking decidedly shaky with 14 minutes to go when the scores were locked at 28-all.
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The home side led 21-7 with the holders notching three tries after having a decided edge in possession and territory with the backline combinations of Dallas McLeod, Jona Rova and Ngane Punivai excelling.
Bay of Plenty scored just before halftime from a tap penalty, but their challenge looked to be going backwards when Ngane Punivai scored for Canterbury early in the second half.
But the momentum shifted big-time with the Steamers coming back into the game, scoring three tries to level up the scores.
With the scores locked at 28-28, midfielder Toby Bell crossed in the 70th minute at the end of a Chay Fihaki burst and Daniel Lienert-Brown's inside pass.
The Bay weren't finished as an Andrew Knewstubb was ruled and they attacked again taking the game into added time before a knock-on sealed their fate.
Canterbury 33 (Dallas McLeod 2, Jone Rova, Ngane Punivai, Toby Bell tries; Andrew Knewstubb 4 cons) Bay of Plenty 28 (Benet Kumeroa 2, Lucas Cashmore, Reon Paul tries; Cashmore con, Jason Robertson 3 cons)
HT: 21-7.
