Archive for August 2025
IT’S A CELEBRATION! LIONS ROMP TO DIVISION ONE TITLE+096
Celebration Lions have capped a dominant CRL Division One campaign with a 46-6 grand final victory over Eastern Eagles at Ngā Puna Wai. The Lions had to overcome a tough, physical opening period and an early deficit before getting on top, however. A valiant Eagles outfit dominated the first 20 minutes with a try to…
Read MorePAT SMITH’S ENDURING LEGACY
Most 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? As the silverware is polished up and prepared to be awarded for the 59th time on Sunday, to either Linwood or Riccarton after the CRL Whitehead Plumbing &…
Read MoreKEAS DETERMINED TO FINISH OFF DOMINANT CAMPAIGN WITH GF GLORY
On the surface, table-topping Linwood Keas come into the 2025 CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership grand final without a genuine test under their belts for some time. But Keas coach Tyron Rapana believes their semi-final hit-out against Woolston Rams provided the perfect lead-in to their CRL Happy Hire Grand Final Day showdown with defending champs Sydenham…
Read MoreSWANS STEELED FOR BACK-TO-BACK BID
Defending CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership champions Sydenham Swans have taken the hard road to the 2025 CRL Happy Hire Grand Final Day schedule. But a gritty semi-final win has fortified the Swans for Sunday’s showdown against their 2022-23 grand final conquerors, Linwood Keas. “The ladies are looking good, the intensity has picked up at training…
Read MoreKNIGHTS EYE ONE LAST CONQUEST AFTER HISTORIC GRAND FINAL CHARGE
Several near misses, tough seasons and rebuilds later, Riccarton Knights return to the CRL Happy Hire Grand Final Day stage for the first time in 21 years. The Knights face minor premiers Linwood Keas at Ngā Puna Wai on Sunday (3pm kick-off) after carving out a stunning 36-16 preliminary final victory over Halswell Hornets. Keeping…
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