The Open Mens Final featured defending champions Canterbury who had qualified top of the pool and looked dangerous all week and Counties Manukau, who had done it the hard way and had to beat Auckland to make the final. Both teams had met in the opening rounds with Canterbury winning in the last minute 6-5, so the tone was set for a great game.
Canterbury didn’t need any time to get started and scored in the first minute on the left weing through Nazea Silbery. Brendon Stewart followed soon after and Canterbury had stamped their authority. Manukau came back after tries to Bruce Kahe Jonathon Ale, but Canterbury finished the half the stronger side with an imposing 7-3 lead after some strong play that included a Daniel Yee double.
Canterbury didn’t let up in the second half and kept the pressure on with a touchdown to Scott Grant in the opening minute. Counties hit back with a try to Willie Marsh but it was too little too late. At the end of the day Canterbury were too classy for the boys from South Auckland and dominated the entire game. They finished with a touchdown by Alex Taefu and final score of 9-4.
Last Modified on 06/03/2010 15:56