By Myles Hume

Canterbury have gone down fighting 13-27 against a spirited Waikato side at Christchurch’s sunny Rugby Park today.

With 15 minutes remaining the sun shed some light on Canterbury.

Realising they were staring down the barrel of defeat they finally gained control and came close to scoring numerous times but denied themselves the chance for a grandstand finish.

But it was too little too late as Canterbury squandered too many opportunities close to the line with Waikato only letting the red-and-blacks cross the line once.

Canterbury chased Waikato’s tail all game who shot out to a 24-7 lead in 24 minutes – already securing the four-try bonus point.

Waikato’s first three tries came through prop Toby Smith, lock Toby Lynn and wing Tim Mikkelson with successive pick-and-goes and the Canterbury defence faltering near the rucks.

Their fourth came through a slick backs move with a quick interchange of hands which allowed centre Richard Kahui to slide over in the corner.

Canterbury got their lone try through Nasi Manu where he used his strength off the back of the scrum to barge through a weak Stephen Donald tackle which was the start of a busy performance by the bustling number 8.

Canterbury second five-eighth Tom Taylor was able kick two penalties in the 37thand 45th minute to take the score to 13-27.

The score remained unchanged for the rest of the match but with the 14-point deficit Canterbury’s self-belief picked up with 21-year-old replacement hooker Ben Funnell leading the way with brutal defence and determined running.

Canterbury camped themselves in the Waikato 22-metre for the last 15 minutes but with repeated knock-ons and conceded turnovers they were not able score a try to put themselves in a position to tie up the match.

Canterbury look to put their season back on track against championship side Northland on Sunday at Rugby Park after only winning one out of their four premiership matches.

Canterbury sink down to fourth on the premiership division table.

Canterbury – 13 (tries: Nasi Manu; Tom Taylor 1 conv, 2 pen)

Waikato – 27 (tries: Toby Smith, Toby Lynn, Tim Mikkelson, Richard Kahui; Stephen Donald 2 conv, 1 pen)