Lincoln University Rugby is very proud to advise that both the Lincoln University Colts Premier and the Lincoln University Premier Division One side have been crowned the Hawkins Trophy Champions of their respective grades for 2017. Both finals were played on Sunday 30 July with the Colts playing Christchurch at Linfield Park and the RAMS playing the University of Canterbury side at Rugby Park in front of large crowds.

Getting to the finals had proved somewhat difficult with the inclement conditions leading up to the main event. The Premier Colts semi-final match was postponed until the Sunday and although the rain had stopped, the conditions were still "heavy" underfoot when they took on HSOB. The side was able to dominate up front and eventually came out with a 33 – 8 win to advance them into their fourth straight final.

Christchurch had been too good for the Lincoln “Lambs” in their first two encounters of the season. However a final can do funny things to a team and the Lincoln lads stepped up to play their most accurate, concise, and physical match of the year. The side relished the dry track and were able to unleash their skillful backline to head into the half time break leading 20 – 10. The forwards once again set the platform for the fleet footed backs to run wild in the second half and although Christchurch were able to narrow the gap the Lincoln team were too good on the day and were able to claim their fourth consecutive title with their 46 – 23 win.

The Senior Division 1 semi-final pitted us against Christchurch who we had beaten by 40 points in round one and only narrowly beaten them in the Championship round 28 - 20. A powerful pack was able to take control of set pieces that resulted in a 29 - 5 victory and a place in the final for the third year running.

With two University sides in the Grand Final, it was always going to be an exciting affair with both teams willing to play expansive open rugby. It did take most of the first half for either side to gain ascendancy with dropped balls and mistakes from both sides being a feature. One try to UC and a penalty to LU were the only points in the first half but the continuity and skills were starting to be apparent.

Lincoln stated the second half with a flourish as they quickly scored two tries to J Stratton and J McKay in a matter of minutes to go up 15 – 5. A penalty to B Cameron and a T Hallett try, that was set-up by a barnstorming run by H Dalzell from a defensive lineout, extended the score to 25 – 5. All was not done from a UC point of view and they were able to apply pressure across the park and picked up a converted try almost from the kick-off, 25 – 12 with 15 remaining. Seven minutes later Lincoln were down to 14 men giving UC the golden opportunity to strike back which they did with another converted try with only 3 minutes remaining. The cool heads of the senior Lincoln men kept the rampant men from Ilam out, but only just, to finish with a 25 – 19 win and the third successive Championship title to Lincoln University.

Lincoln University Rugby would like to thank all of their coaches, managers, physio's, trainers, doctors, videographers, supporters and sponsors for everything they have done to make 2017 a great success.  We also would like to acknowledge the Canterbury Rugby Union, the Metro Committee and Hawkins, for running such a strong competition. We all look forward to see what we can do in 2018.