National Basketball League was won by the Auckland Stars who beat the Nelson Giants 80–68 in the final. The Women's National Basketball League was won by the Canterbury Wildcats who beat the Nelson Sparks 68–58 in the final. Cricket The State Championship for 2003–04 was won by the Wellington Firebirds. In December Australia and New Zealand played a series of 3 one-day matches in Australia for the inaugural Chappell–Hadlee Trophy. After winning one game each, the decider was washed out by rain, so the trophy was shared. Horse racing Harness racing New Zealand Trotting Cup: Just An Excuse – 2nd win Auckland Trotting Cup: Elsu – 2nd win Olympic Games New Zealand sends a team of 148 competitors in 18 sports. Paralympics New Zealand sends a team of 35 competitors across nine sports. Rugby league Bartercard Cup won by the Mt Albert Lions Rugby union June – July: 2004 Philips International Series: The All Blacks beat England 36–3, England 36–12, Argentina 41-7 and Pacific Islanders rugby union team 41–26. 17 July: The All Blacks beat Australia 16–7 at Westpac Stadium as part of the 2004 Tri Nations Series 24 July: The All Blacks beat South Africa 23–21 at Jade Stadium as part of the 2004 Tri Nations Series 7 August: The All Blacks lose 18–23 to Australia at Telstra Stadium as part of the 2004 Tri Nations Series 14 August: The All Blacks lose 26–40 to South Africa at Ellis Park Stadium as part of the 2004 Tri Nations Series 15 August: Bay of Plenty beat Auckland 33-28 to take the Ranfurly Shield 5 September: Canterbury beat Bay of Plenty 33-26 to take the Ranfurly Shield 13 November: The All Blacks beat Italy 59–10 at Stadio Flaminio as part of the 2004 All Black Tour of Europe 20 November: The All Blacks beat Wales 26–25 at Millennium Stadium as part of the 2004 All Black Tour of Europe 27 November: The All Blacks beat France 45–6 at Stade de France as part of the 2004 All Black Tour of Europe 4 December: The All Blacks beat The Barbarians 47–9 at Twickenham as part of the 2004 All Black Tour of Europe Shooting Ballinger Belt – Edd Newman (United States) John Whiteman (Upper Hutt), second, top New Zealander Soccer The Chatham Cup is won by Miramar Rangers who beat Waitakere City F.C. 1–0 in the final after extra time. Births 1