The 2013 ITM Cup in New Zealand came to its conclusion over the weekend with to excellent games of rugby.
First up on Friday evening local time Tasman had a narrow victory over Hawke’s Bay 26-25. The game was a close affair throughout with the Tasman Makos holding out against a concerted Hawe’s Bay series of attacks over the closing minutes. This win is the Makos first since 2004 and first as a Province.
Next year Tasman take over from relegated Bay of Plenty in the 2014 ITM Cup Premiership. This after the Steamers came last in the Division and will go down to the Championship.
In the Premiership Canterbury took a convincing win in Wellington against the favourites Wellington. As usual the Wellington weather was not kind and did bring in some unforced errors. The first half was a close run thing which saw Wellington make more of the condition’s and go in with a narrow lead 10-7. You always felt that Wellington were at their peak whilst Canterbury had more in the tank, and so it showed in the second half as the five time champions showed why they were champions powering on to take the win 29-13 and gain their sixth trophy. Thanks to solid defence, an ability to retain possession through the phases and then when in the scoring zone to take the points.
After the match New Zealand Rugby Chairman Mike Eagle congratulated both teams on a fitting finale to a compelling competition. saying:”Canterbury and Wellington competed well all season, providing great, entertaining rugby and tonight was no different. Congratulations to both teams for making the final.
“In the end it came down to a great second half performance from Canterbury, aided by a wealth of experience in the side and great defence, that ensures the ITM Cup stays In Christchurch for a record sixth year. Well done to Scott Robertson and the Canterbury side on their historic win.
“The conditions certainly weren’t easy for either team but the sizeable Wellington crowd witnessed a great sporting contest between two sides who certainly gave it their all.” We wholeheartedly agree with these comments.
So we got the Tasman result correct and should have had more faith in Canterbury as we got that result wrong. Here are the results:
Results Finals
Fri 25 Oct 19:35 Tasman 26-25 Hawke’s Bay Blenheim SkySports UK
Sat 26 Oct 19:35 Wellington 13-29 Canterbury Wellington SkySports UK