Keas peck Panthers in grand final rematch
In a rematch of last year’s Canterbury rugby league grand final, the Linwood Keas again prevailed over the Hornby Panthers 14-8 on Saturday.
It was the home side’s club day and a perfect way to celebrate for Linwood, along with front rower Alex Todd who played his 100th premier match.
Linwood led by the small margin of 6-4 at halftime on a muddy Linwood Park through a Grahame Patu-Vaega’Au try.
Early in the second half PatuVaega’Au crashed over out wide for his second to give the hosts an eight point buffer.
Hornby did their best to keep in the match with Gene Spooner returning to the field after a nasty gash to his head requiring stitches.
However, the win belonged to Linwood and five-eighth Daniel Hartley closed out the result with a late penalty goal, ensuring his side finished the round in top spot on the Massetti Cup ladder.
Celebration Lions maintained their equal share of the competition lead by coming from behind to defeat Papanui Tigers 24-22.
The Lions trailed 10-6 at halftime, but a hat-trick to winger Kalolo Aukilani Tuuu gave them a sixth straight victory.
A powerful first half performance saw Northern Bulldogs through to a 36-26 home win over Halswell Hornets.
They powered out to a 26-4 lead at the break before the Hornets rallied in the second half.
Riccarton Knights climbed off the bottom of the table with their second win in three weeks.
The Knights carved out a 34-10 result against Aranui Eagles, who find themselves alone in last spot with just one win from seven outings.