KEY POINTS:
The performance was far from perfect but Wanganui still ended their flawless Heartland rugby season with success, downing Mid Canterbury 27-12 in the Meads Cup final today.
A compelling second half display into a fierce wind saw the hosts pull away after they led just 10-5 at halftime, having struggled to impose themselves with the help of the elements.
The result wasn't safe until lock Michael Fitzgerald charged over under the crossbar to complete a breakout try with six minutes remaining, bringing a vocal crowd at Cooks Gardens to life.
It was sweet success for Wanganui, who were beaten finalists in the first two premier Heartland championship finals - losing to Wairarapa Bush in 2006 and North Otago last year.
Captain David Gower said their bridesmaid label had weighed heavily and may have sparked their early struggles today.
"The boys were quite amped, it got a bit emotional in the changing room before we came out," he said.
"We had to weather the storm and it was called Mid Canterbury.
"We knew they'd come out with lightning and thunder and we just had to weather it. In the end fitness paid off and holes opened up and we sealed the deal."
Wanganui were a class above all their opponents this year, winning their 10 matches by an average score of 42-11. That included a 43-12 thrashing of Mid Canterbury last time they met.
Today was a different story as the muscular South Island forwards took control of the first half.
They completed 23 pick-and-goes to Wanganui's four, hogging the ball and scoring first through impressive flanker and captain Jason Gill off a break by first five-eighth Kieran Lindsay.
It took until the 20th minute before Wanganui responded, when pacy winger Cameron Crowley was put on the outside of his opposite 40m out.
His try was converted by second five-eighth Michael Davis, who also landed a neat dropped goal before the break on the way to a 12-point haul.
Wanganui coach Guy Lennox described his team as "tentative" in the first half but a far more committed side returned to the field, producing a more solid set piece, tightening their defence and respecting possession.
They pulled clear through a 58th-minute try to winger John Mow - his competition-leading 13th of the season - and a second Davis penalty to lead 20-5.
Wanganui's strike power out wide began to take a toll on the stretched visitors, with Mow, Crowley and fullback Asaeli Tikoirotuma capping excellent seasons for the "Butcher Boys".
Gower said his side were comfortable keeping the ball in hand through the final 40min.
"We said no kicking and that's our game anyway, running it."
M id Canterbury threatened a boilover when Gill bustled over for his second try with 13min remaining before Fitzgerald ensured celebrations could begin early.
- NZPA
