Canterbury too good in Shield defence

Canterbury were hardly troubled in their third Ranfurly Shield defence of the season, beating Nelson Bays' challenge 67-10 at Jade Stadium last night.

Canterbury led 18-5 at halftime.

They ran in seven tries in the second half, and nine in total, while Nelson Bays had two tries in reply.

The accurate goalkicking boot of Canterbury's Ben Blair told against their amateur opponents.

Canterbury's next challenge is against NPC first division rivals Bay of Plenty in Christchurch on August 31.

Scores:

Canterbury 67 (Caleb Ralph 2, Nathan Mauger, Joe Maddock, Johnny Leo'o, Ben Blair, Daryl Gibson, Sam Broomhall, Brad Thorn tries; Aaron Mauger 2 pen, con, Blair 7 con)

Nelson Bays 10 (Mark Milne, Graham Ching tries).