TRILLO METALS CANTERBURY BULLS MEN’S EDGE CHARGERS IN WET WEST COAST THRILLER

The Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls Men’s team defied wild Greymouth weather and a gallant West Coast Chargers side to snare a 16-14 comeback victory in Saturday’s South Island Championship opener at Wingham Park.

In a throwback to erstwhile eras in the 109-year history of the Canterbury-West Coast provincial rivalry, the Chargers carved out a 14-0 halftime lead as they set their sights on a momentous win.

But the Trillo Metals Bulls navigated teeming rain and a howling gale to climb back into the contest via converted tries to Linwood centre Matthew Logopati and Eastern halfback Taniela Leka.

Trailing by two in the dying stages, the visitors snatched a nail-biting result as Keas second-rower and captain Danny Samuelu-Latu crashed over to score.

“The conditions were some of the worst I have experienced,” first-time Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls Men’s coach Walt Wilson said.

“The wind was cutting – and often kicks into the wind would result in the ball being blown backwards.

“The conditions didn’t allow for an expansive game. However, I know the crowd got their money’s worth

“(Former Canterbury captain and current selector) Mark Nixon borrowed a quote from our former coach, the late, great Gerard Stokes, saying both sides showed a lot of fortitude, and believes it was one of the toughest wins from Canterbury he has seen in the last 25 years.

“Both teams showed plenty of character and I’m proud of the courage that was displayed. It was a tough win.”

The Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls Men’s team now looks ahead to their Round 2 clash with Aoraki Eels – who went down 52-4 to Southland Rams in their opener – at Ngā Puna Wai on Saturday, September 14.

Image credit: Russie Photos