Mitre 10 Cup: Canterbury top Wellington 27-20 for first win of 2018

Defending champions Canterbury have opened up their account for the 2018 season, topping Wellington 27-20 in Mitre 10 Cup action at Christchurch Stadium.

The red and blacks were quelled by Tasman a week ago, but repelled the capital on a sunny afternoon in Christchurch.

Far from vintage performance, the scrappy win showed this Canterbury side is capable of rolling up the sleeves and digging deep.

Canterbury led 22-7 at halftime with fullback George Bridge playing a starring role, assisting in two of the home side's four tries.

Despite perfect conditions, both sides were guilty of committing numerous errors, while the Cantabs will also be concerned at the loss of their flying centre Braydon Ennor who left the field with a hamstring complaint.

Canterbury's four tries were scored by Ennor, Reed Prinsep, Mitchell Drummond and Caleb Makene with first-five Brett Cameron adding a penalty and two conversions.

Thomas Umaga-Jensen, James O'Reilly and Du'Plessis Kirifi crossed the line for Wellington with Jackson Garden-Bachop adding a conversion and a penalty.

In Saturday's other game, North Harbour pulled off a come-from-behind victory over Waikato, claiming a 29-28 win off the back of a Tevita Li double.

Newshub.