ITM Cup Finals
Manawatu power to Championship win
October 25, 2014
Manawatu celebrate winning the Championship Final © Getty Images
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Manawatu turned around a lacklustre first-half effort to secure Premiership status next season with a 32-24 win over Hawke's Bay in a bruising ITM Cup Championship final in Palmerston North on Friday. Trailing 14-6 at half-time, Manawatu hit back with four second-half tries, two in the last five minutes, to steal the win.

Half-back Kayne Hammington and fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder crossed early in the second spell, then centre Jason Emery and winger Nathan Tudreu wrapped up the turnaround victory with tries in the frantic final minutes.

But Ranfurly Shield holders Hawke's Bay looked well in control after the first half, tries to playmaker Ihaia West and pacey wing Shannan Chase giving them a useful lead over Manawatu at the break.

The lead changed hands three times in a see-sawing second spell, Manawatu hitting the front 16 minutes after the restart before Chase's second try gave Hawke's Bay a 24-20 lead with 12 minutes remaining.

Manawatu continued to give the ball plenty of air, and were rewarded with two late tries to secure their first national title in 34 years.

© AAP

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