The Vodafone Wellington Lions defeated Canterbury 25-19 in Christchurch on Friday afternoon as part of their preparations for the 2010 ITM Cup.

In wet conditions, the Wellington Lions opened up a decisive 25-0 lead deep into the second half and then held off a late Canterbury comeback to secure victory.

After an even start, Lions tighthead prop and captain Neemia Tialata scored the game's opening try in the corner to put the Lions ahead 5-0. This was followed by a penalty to first five-eighth Fa'atonu Fili and a second try to fullback Apoua Stewart for a 13-0 halftime lead.

After the break No. 8 Faifili Levave scored a third converted try, before right wing Julian Savea dashed 90 metres to score the match-clinching try and replacement first five-eighth Hayden Cripps converted from the sideline.

Canterbury came back with 15 minutes remaining to score two tries and then added a third before fulltime to close the deficit.

The Vodafone Wellington Lions return home to prepare for their 2010 ITM Cup opener against Tasman at Westpac Stadium next Sunday, 1 August, at 4.35pm.

Scorers for Wellington:
Tries: Neemia Tialata, Apoua Stewart, Faifili Levave, Julian Savea
Penalty:Fa'atonu Fili penalty
Conversion: Hayden Cripps

The Vodafone Wellington team that played Canterbury was:

1) John Schwalger
2) Dane Coles
3) Neemia Tialata (c)
4) Mark Reddish
5) Daniel Ramsay
6) Victor Vito
7) Serge Lilo
8) Faifili Levave
9) Alby Mathewson
10) Fa'atonu Fili
11) Hosea Gear
12) Shaun Treeby
13) Alapati Leiua
14) Julian Savea
15) Apoua Stewart

Reserves:

16) Ged Robinson
17) Adrian Barone
18) Api Naikatini
19) Scott Fuglistaller
20) Ruki Tipuna
21) Hayden Cripps
22) Buxton Popoalii
23) Tajhon Mailata
24) Jeremy Thrush