The Lions defence swamps a Bulls dash at Mt Smart Stadium last night. Picture / Paul Estcourt
Auckland 25 Canterbury 18
Kelvin Wright, one of the smallest players on the field, played the biggest role in the Auckland Lions' successful defence of the Bartercard Cup at Mt Smart Stadium last night.
Brian McClennan's Lions won the domestic rugby league title again, repeating their victory over the
Bulls in last year's final.
Both teams scored three tries each last night, and Lions captain Steve Buckingham landed six goals from six attempts. For good measure he also added a field goal for 13 points in the game, but it was dummy half Wright who was responsible for lifting his team with an inspiring game.
He scored the game's opening try in the 20th minute but the Bulls hit back three minutes later with a try by Clinton Fraser.
The Lions' second try came from Regan Wigg in the 26th minute, the Bulls replying nine minutes later.
The Bulls dominated possession and territory in the first half even though they trailed 12-14.
But the Lions took control of the game after the break with Wright masterminding their play.
His vision and ability to move into space and unload timely passes kept the Bulls defence busy throughout the second half and a smart piece of play from him in the 56th minute set up the Lions' third try by Miguel Start.
The Bulls surprisingly lit the game when they attacked from their own goal and Scott Hurrell finished it with try, but Buckingham's field goal in the 74th minute killed off Canterbury's chances.
- NZPA
