Canterbury too strong

Christchurch: title. Canterbury won their eighth national provincial championship title since 2008, after beating Tasman 43-27 in the Mitre 10 Cup premiership final in Christchurch last night. The win ensured Crusaders bound head coach Scott Robertson signed off in perfect style, winning a third title since taking over as Canterbury coach in 2013. It was heartbreak for Tasman, who fell short at the final hurdle for the second time in three years, having lost the 2014 decider to Taranaki. Tasman more than played their part in a free-flowing final, but ultimately they couldn’t deny Canterbury their 13th title. Only Auckland (16) has won more. Playing without injured centre Jack Goodhue, Canterbury outscored Tasman six tries to three and took a 22-13 lead into halftime. They led for all but a few minutes of the match and didn’t waste any time extending their lead after the break, as second five-eighth Rob Thompson, playing in his first game in six weeks, powered over in Another year, another the 45th minute from close range. Tasman had to go without veteran lock Alex Ainley for the first 10 minutes of the second half, after he was carded for a neck-roll on Canterbury fullback Johnny McNicholl at the end of the first half. Marty Banks converted to shut the gap to 29-20, but standout Canterbury No 10 Richie Mo’unga went through a gap a few moments later to cancel out Tasman’s try. However, Tasman refused to go down without a fight and counterpunched yet again, as replacement hooker Jesse MacDonald went over with his first touch of the game. But that was as good as it got, as Canterbury replacement flanker Billy Harmon sealed the game with a well worked try down the other end. AT A GLANCE Canterbury 43 (Dave McDuling, Nathan Earle, Richie Mo’unga 2, Rob Thompson, Billy Harmon tries; Jordie Barrett 5 con, 1 pen) Tasman 27 (Shannon Frizell, Billy Guyton, Jesse MacDonald tries; Marty Banks 2 pen, 3 con) HT: 22-13. - Stuff