By David Di Somma
Canterbury has won their fourth straight national provincial title after beating Waikato 12-3 in the first ever try-less final.
Although there were no five pointers in last nights ITM Cup final there was some controversy.
With an hour gone a headbutt was the ugliest moment in the final.
No action was taken against Waikato lock Romana Graham at the time but has since has been referred to the citing officials.
Former all black Stephen Donald, playing his last game for the mooloos before heading to English club side Bath, was a key figure early on.
After being on the receiving end of a high tackle he also landed the first points of the game, with his opposite Tyler Bleyendaal going off after twenty minutes.
There was nearly an hour when neither side looked likely to dot down before the home side came up just centimetres short.
Canterbury superior defence ultimately was the difference.
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