The Blues have won their third Super Aupiki title in a row with a 28-21 victory over Matatū in a thrilling final at Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.
It was a dramatic finale with Katelyn Vahaakolo breaking a 21-all score with a try in the 83rd minute as added time played out. Ruahei Demant converted.
The scores had been locked at 14-all for 26 minutes in the second half, before hooker Atlanta Lolohea scored her second try and Demant converted to turn up the pressure on Matatū.
But Matatū came back strongly and received an advantage when the Blues lost Maama Vaipulu to a yellow card for head-on-head contact on Georgia Ponsonby who promptly replied by crashing over for a try. Maia Joseph converted from wide out to lock up the scores again.
However, with extra time threatening, the Blues had the last laugh through the determined Vahaakolo.
After beating the southerners in the last premiership game of the season last weekend, their ability to finish the stronger proved decisive once again.
Matatū had led 14-7 at halftime.
There were some crucial developments in the first half, with star Blues fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee failing a head injury assessment after leaving the field in the 24th minute, while Matatū had to cope with halfback lynchpin Maia Joseph being yellow-carded for shoulder-to-head contact on Mererangi Paul in the 38th minute.
The Blues took advantage of her absence with Vahaakolo scoring soon after halftime after a break by Sylvia Brunt and a super pass to the winger, who crossed in the corner, with Ruahei Demant converting to level the scores. Officials ruled that Joseph's offence didn't warrant a red card so she returned soon after the Blues try.
The scores stayed locked at 14-all until the 70th minute when Lolohea charged over and it was all-on from there.
SHARE ME