LINWOOD OUTLAST ASHBURTON TO RETAIN ISC CANTERBURY CUP

Linwood Keas secured their second success of the 2023 Happy Hire CRL Grand Final Day via a 20-10 win over Ashburton Barbarians in a gripping ISC Canterbury Cup decider.

Ageless club legend Aga Fiso was named player of the match in the wake of the Keas’ fast-finishing victory.

The Keas led 10-4 at halftime through tries to outside-backs Uili Uili and Lachlan Havill.

The Barbarians hung tough, however, and second-rower Cruise Tare’s second try levelled the scores up with 25 minutes to go.

The defending CRL Premier Reserves champions clicked into gear to dominate the final quarter of the match, Uili putting the Keas back in front with his second try before five-eighth Sammy Saufatu stepped and powered his way over.

The result completed an outstanding finals campaign for the fourth-placed Keas, who defeated the table-topping Greyhounds in Greymouth before thwarting the Barbarians in a tense decider at Ngā Puna Wai.

ISC CANTERBURY CUP GRAND FINAL: Linwood Keas 20 (Uili Uili 2, Lachlan Havill, Sammy Saufatu tries; Rangitane Thompson 2 goals) defeated Ashburton Barbarians 10 (Cruise Tare 2 tries; Semisi Lei goal) at Ngā Puna Wai. 

2023 Canterbury Rugby League Women’s Grand Final between Sydenham Swans and Linwood Keas.
Ngai Puna Wai, Christchurch, New Zealand
15/08/2023
2023 Copyright Image: Matthew Musson/©MattyLouisPhotography