Canterbury wing Sean Maitland scored a double – his third brace of tries in as many games – to help his side to a 28-17 victory over Counties-Manukau at Pukekohe tonight.

Maitland’s try-scoring form was timely because Canterbury struggled at times against a game but limited Counties side which sits on the bottom of the Air New Zealand Cup points table.

After leading 10-3 at halftime, Canterbury were slow to push on and the score was 21-17 with 10 minutes to go before Maitland scored his second, and best, try of the night.

Though the Red and Blacks comfortably lead the points table, there is still plenty to work on. At least three tries were blown and coaches Rob Penney and Tabai Matson won’t be happy with the two five-pointers the home team scored.

The defence was a bit scratchy and too much ball was turned over, but at least Canterbury won the match and can build towards their next Ranfurly Shield defence – against Manawatu at AMI Stadium on Friday night.

Counties scored first through halfback Samisoni Fisilau, who dropped a goal when his side already had a penalty advantage.

Canterbury replied after 20 minutes when hooker Ti’i Paulo scored a converted try following a great run down the right touchline by Maitland and good pressure from the forwards who kept the phases going on Counties’ line.

A Brett penalty right on halftime from 40m completed the scoring for the half but it seemed certain that Canterbury would break the game open in the second spell.

Fullback Colin Slade, taking over the kicking duties from Brett, stretched the lead with a penalty after the break but Counties struck back with a converted try to flanker Mark Selwyn.

Slade kicked another penalty to make it 16-10 before Maitland scored his first try of the night when brushing off some weak defence to dot down.

At 21-10 Canterbury should have killed the game off but instead it was Counties who scored next, substitute Alepini Olosoni sprinting through a big gap in an attacking lineout.

Luckily, Maitland finished off Canterbury’s best attacking move of the night to make the game safe. Centre Casey Laulala drew the defence and passed inside to second-five Ryan Crotty and broke through and sent a fine wide ball to the flying Maitland.

For Canterbury, skipper George Whitelock would have been happy to get through the match after missing the previous two with an ankle sprain.

Laulala had a good match against his old side and No8 Nasi Manu went on some good powerful surges.

Canterbury – Tries: Sean Maitland (2), Ti’i Paulo. Conversions: Stephen Brett, Colin Slade. Penalties: Slade (2), Brett.

Counties-Manukau – Tries: Mark Selwyn, Alepini Olosoni. Conversions: Tim Nanai-Williams (2).  DG: Samisoni Fisilau.

HT: Canterbury 10-3.

Canterbury:

1. Andrew Olorenshaw
2. Ti’i Paulo (16. Corey Flynn 60^th min)
3. Peter Borlase (17. Rodney Ah You 60^th min)
4. Sam Whitelock
5. James Broadhurst (18. Ash Parker 65th min)
6. Michael Paterson
7. George Whitelock (c)
8. Nasi Manu
9. Tyson Keats (20. Willi Heinz 75th min)
10. Stephen Brett (22. Tu Umaga-Marshall 70th min)
11. James Paterson
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Casey Laulala
14. Sean Maitland
15. Colin Slade

Reserves not used:
19. Matt Todd
21. Tim Bateman