Rugby Union: Close call for Canterbury

Canterbury ended Waikato's six-match reign as holders of the Ranfurly Shield, New Zealand's premier rugby union trophy, with a hard-earned 29-26 victory in Hamilton yesterday. Canterbury raced to a commanding 22-11 half-time lead which they never relinquished, thanks partly to a controversial penalty try, and two quick tries from the winger Paula Bale and flanker Mike Brewer. Waikato were more competitive in the second half, but made too many mistakes in attack to turn possession into points.