Archive for August 2019
FLASHBACK FRIDAY: CANTERBURY WINS 1985 RUGBY LEAGUE CUP
As the start of the Rockcote Canterbury Bulls’ NZRL Premiership campaign draws near, this week’s Flashback Friday celebrates the province’s memorable 1985 season, in which it clinched the Rugby League Cup. The code was enjoying a resurgence in New Zealand during the mid-1980s courtesy of the Graham Lowe-coached Kiwis’ drought-breaking Test wins over Australia in…
Read MoreRED AND BLACK REPORT 2019: EDITION 22 & 23
Each week the Red and Black Report will keep you up to date with how our Canterbury Rugby League products are performing in Australia’s elite and lower-grade competitions. NRL Aranui product Jamayne Isaako’s late-season resurgence has continued, scoring two brilliant four-pointers, running for over 200 metres and kicking four goals in Brisbane Broncos’…
Read MoreKEAS SURGE TO RECORD-EQUALLING FOURTH STRAIGHT GRAND FINAL TRIUMPH AT NGĀ PUNA WAI
Linwood Keas have achieved the record-equalling feat of four straight Pat Smith Trophy triumphs in a titanic inaugural Men’s Premiership grand final at Ngā Puna Wai, downing Hornby Panthers 28-12 in front of a horde of passionate and parochial fans. The showcase piece of Grand Final Day at Ngā Puna Wai delivered once again as…
Read MoreKEAS CRUSH HAWKS IN CANTERBURY CUP GF
Linwood Keas powered to an emphatic Canterbury Cup grand final win at Ngā Puna Wai, obliterating Shirley Hawks 58-0 in a blowout result few saw coming after the teams’ major semi went to golden point. The Keas raced out to 26-0 by halftime then piled on seven tries in the second stanza to consign the…
Read MoreBURNHAM OUTLAST LINWOOD TO CLINCH WOMEN’S GRAND FINAL
Burnham Chevaliers have completed the perfect season, winning the CRL Women’s Premiership grand final at Ngā Puna Wai against Linwood Keas 34-22 to stay unbeaten for 2019 in a match that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats from first whistle to last. The Chevaliers overcame a 12-point halftime deficit, scoring five unanswered…
Read MoreRAMS SNARE DIV ONE TITLE WITH SECOND-HALF COMEBACK
Woolston Rams claimed a stunning Division One grand final victory over Marist Saints, staging a remarkable comeback to win the first-ever senior decider at Ngā Puna Wai. The Saints led by 16 points at halftime but were unable withstand a stirring Rams revival in an absorbing second stanza. Woolston – beaten grand finalists in 2018…
Read MoreCRL 2019 GRAND FINAL DAY PREVIEW
Four huge deciders as history is made at Ngā Puna Wai – 2019 Grand Final Day is shaping as one of the most significant occasions in Canterbury Rugby League’s history. 11am – Division One Grand Final: Marist Saints v Woolston Rams @ Ngā Puna Wai – Rugby League 2 The 2017 Division One grand final…
Read MorePAT SMITH’S ENDURING LEGACY
Most people know the Pat Smith Trophy is the greatest prize in Canterbury Rugby League, but how much do you know about the man it is named after? Ahead of Sunday’s CRL premiers grand final, we revisit an article by The Press’ Tony Smith about New Zealand Kiwis and Canterbury legend Pat Smith. First published…
Read MoreCANTABRIANS IN THE CHALLENGE CUP FINAL
As Warrington and St Helens prepare for this weekend’s Challenge Cup final at the hallowed Wembley Stadium, we celebrate the history of Cantabrians featuring in British rugby league’s greatest occasion. 1929: Len Mason was selected for New Zealand from Canterbury and played three Tests on the Kiwis’ infamous 1926-27 tour of Britain, before being signed…
Read MoreCRL PRELIMINARY FINALS WRAP
Hornby Panthers set up a fourth straight CRL men’s premiership grand final showdown with Linwood Keas courtesy of a 34-20 preliminary final victory over Northern Bulldogs. The Panthers laid the foundation for the win with a dominant first-half display, running in five tries to the Bulldogs’ two to lead 26-10 at Leslie Park. Returning five-eighth…
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