Toa Tonga Warriors win Crosbie Nines

Christchurch’s Toa Tonga Warriors won the annual Crosbie Nines rugby league tournament, edging out Papanui 14-12 after both finalists upset favourites en route to the decider.

Toa Tonga eliminated last year’s winners Canterbury Fiji Bati 21-14 in their semi-final at Avonhead on Saturday, while underdogs Papanui beat Auckland-based visitors Te Kotahitanga 15-13.

The seventh edition of the tournament featured 10 teams spread across two pools at Crosbie Park.

The second-tier plate final was claimed by Linwood, who beat the Eastern Eagles 21-15.