Canterbury have won their first provincial rugby title since 2004, beating Wellington 7-6 in a gritty, rainy final in the capital.
Hayden Hopgood scored the only try from a pick and go near the line on 25 minutes.
So the bridesmaid tag continues for the Lions -- they've now lost five finals since their last title win eight years ago.
Canterbury coach Rob Penney says it was defence that won them the game.
He says their abiliity to get off the line and nail Wellington behind the advantage line stopped the Lions' backline threats.
Penney says the Canterbury players dug really deep, worked hard and wanted to do it for each other.
