EAGLES RETAIN CANTERBURY CUP IN GRIPPING DECIDER

Eastern Eagles have retained the CRL ISC Sports Canterbury Cup, outlasting Halswell Hornets 20-16 in a tense premier reserves grand final.

The Hornets repeatedly fought back from double-digit deficits and came agonisingly close to snatching victory in the dying stages, but the Eagles ultimately took the spoils in a match they led from opening minutes until fulltime.

The Eagles powered to an early 10-0 lead with tries to centre Jenyn Kahu and winger Solomon Leatherby.

Hornets centre Reupena Fialele put his side on the scoreboard midway through the first half, but second-rower Leo Petelo restored the Hornets’ 10-point advantage six minutes before halftime.

Halswell winger Kalyne Thomas-Dallas crossed just after the break, but Leatherby’s second try gave Eastern breathing space again at 20-10.

Kaea Katene’s try for the Hornets took the decider down to the wire but the Eagles’ goal-line defence held firm over the nail-biting closing stages to secure another Canterbury Cup success.

2025 CRL ISC SPORTS CANTERBURY CUP GRAND FINAL

Eastern Eagles 20 defeated Halswell Hornets 16 at Ngā Puna Wai