Defence carries Ellesmere to Southbridge Shield win

Ellesmere coach Kahu Carey lauded his side’s defensive commitment as they locked the Southbridge Shield away for another year.

Ellesmere made it nine victories in 10 years over North Canterbury in the annual country rugby fixture at Southbridge on Saturday, winning 21-10.

Carey said their stern defence in the second half was integral in repelling North Canterbury.

It was best epitomised in the last quarter of the game, when they kept North Canterbury contained, despite having lock Matt Stone in the sin bin.

‘‘The last 10 minutes on our goal-line, we had one in the sin bin and a makeshift scrum,’’ Carey said.

‘‘The big key factor was defensively. We really stood up.

‘‘There were hardly any missed tackles. That was probably our real strength – our defence.’’

After taking a 9-3 lead into halftime, Ellesmere seized the initiative early in the second half.

They scored tries through wing David Bennett and first five Shannon Donald, pushing the scoreline out to 21-3.

North Canterbury received a lift off the bench with several reserves making an impact.

Replacement loose forward Samisoni Katoa pulled a try back, making it 21-10.

North Canterbury coach Shane Fletcher said they had their chances but could not make the most of their opportunities.

After a successful five-day buildup tour of Queensland, Fletcher said it was disappointing they were unable to play to their potential.

‘‘Our frustration was we probably didn’t play the rugby we had done in Australia,’’ Fletcher said.

‘‘We lost the ruck and that was probably the big thing.

‘‘They were a little bit better in the ruck than ourselves.’’

North Canterbury knocked over Ellesmere two years ago and Carey said that for some of the players that loss still stung.

Former Canterbury and Ellesmere lock-loose forward Ian Fleming spoke to the team before the game about the importance of the fixture, which inspired the players, Carey said.

‘‘He talked to us in the morning. He really drummed in it’s a jersey that combines us all as a sub-union.’’

Donald was an influential figure for Ellesmere with his tactical kicking and off the tee.

Ellesmere halfback Harry Pankhurst also impressed, while No 8 Isileli Fine had an industrious game.

Captain and loose forward Brian Anderson was among North Canterbury’s best performed players. Locks Logan Telfer and Filipe Kuruvoli also toiled hard in the loss.