Canterbury has won a fourth straight women's national provincial rugby title in dramatic fashion.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
The red and blacks have scored a try after the final hooter to beat Waikato 8-7 in the Farah Palmer Cup final played on a hot spring day in Christchurch.
Seeking their maiden title, Waikato had defended bravely throughout the match, preventing Canterbury from crossing their line for 80 minutes.
But after handing over possession just seconds from fulltime, Waikato were unable to prevent Canterbury lock Cindy Nelles from crashing over in the 81st minute.
Canterbury halfback Kendra Cocksedge struck the upright with the resulting conversion but it was academic.
"Far out it was tough," Cocksedge told Sky Sport.
"When I was out there I was thinking my god I think this might be one of the toughest games I've actually been a part of in my whole career [and] I've played in World Cup finals.
"Credit to Waikato, they played outstanding. You know we made some mistakes in that first half and credit to them in the second-half they came at us, but we're pretty proud to fight to the death in the end there."
Cindy Nelles scores the winning try for Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup final Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
Waikato captain Chelsea Alley is disappointed they weren't able to deliver the province its first women's title.
"It's tough, I'll be really honest," Alley said.
"There was a lot of belief in our team and we gave it all as you could see.
"Canterbury are a bloody classy side so they need to be really proud, but I'm just so proud of my girls for the season we've had and we're not broken yet.
"We'll be back next year bigger and better than ever ready to go again."
Waikato captain Chelsea Alley tackles Canterbury no. 8 Lucy Anderson in the Farah Palmer Cup final Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
The three-time defending champions had led 3-0 at halftime courtesy of a Cocksedge penalty in the 31st minute.
Canterbury bombed a number of tries in the first half, with winger Sam Curtis and centre Grace Brooker both losing the ball over the line.
Waikato captain Chelsea Alley had the chance to level the scores on the stroke of halftime but her penalty attempt hit the upright.
Canterbury clung on to its 3-0 lead until the 65th minute when Waikato number eight Kennedy Simon forced her way over the line, with help from fellow loose forward Emma-Lee Heta. Alley converted to give Waikato a 7-3 advantage.
Cruely for the visitors they couldn't hold on as Canterbury capped a second straight unbeaten season with a fourth straight title.
A host of players from both teams will now play in a Possibles vs Probables match at North Harbour Stadium next weekend.
