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Inter-Service Hockey

Navy Goes Barmy for Army in Palmy!

The Inter-Service Hockey Championships took place in August with men’s and women's teams from Army, Navy and Air meeting in Palmerston North. In the men’s competition Air were favourites with Navy given an outside chance behind Army, following close losses to both last season. The ladies’ contest looked a little more open with all three Services fielding well-matched sides.

The format for the competition is round robin with points deciding the winner or goal difference in the event of a tie, two games are played each day, men’s and women’s, over the three days of competition. Teams were accommodated at Ohakea, with a good after-match scene laid on by our hosts, the Air Force.

The opening game between Air and Army women: a hard fought 2-2 draw.

Navy men’s opener was against Army. The sides were well matched, with Navy fielding some serious talent backed up by dogged and enthusiastic rookies. At the close the 5-0 score line to Navy masked what had been a well-contested match.

Day 2 saw Navy Men take on the Air Force in what was probably the game of the tournament. Early Navy dominance was turned into a 2 goal lead; Air fought back with a goal a few minutes before half time. Air came out from the break reorganised and put together some great moves to draw level before surging to a 4-2 lead. Navy responded well but despite pulling a goal back it was a relieved Air team who took the 4-3 win.

The Navy Ladies’ opener was against the Air Force. Air opened the scoring, but Navy continued to contest the game with newcomer ENS Clare Hayward impressing, earning the ‘player of the day’ award. Karla Mitchell scored to draw Navy level, but Air pushed on to a 2-1 victory.

At the start of the final day nothing was decided: in the men’s competition Air were firm favourites needing only a draw against Army. Army needed a win by an unlikely 5 clear goals; Navy were still in the hunt but needed a small win by Army to give them the trophy.

The ladies’ tournament was almost as close with Army needing a 2 goal win over Navy and Air hoping the result went the other way.

The Navy women played Army in a closely contested match with a scoreless first half. As the second half wore on Army squeezed into a 1 goal lead. As Navy pushed for the equaliser the Morgan sisters were dominant but it was Army who managed to grab a late goal and won them the Sam Kereama Memorial Trophy.

The final Men’s game of the tournament had Navy on the sidelines in the unusual and slightly uncomfortable position of having to cheer for Army! The game itself was highly competitive and it was Air who opened the scoring midway through the first half. With 20 minutes to go and Air defending with confidence, the crowd began to loose interest and nose around in their bag lunches. But then with a swift push down the left and following a bit of a scramble Army equalised! The game suddenly came alive, nosebags were dropped, the Navy boys found their voices for the scarlet of Army.

With seven minutes to go LT “Darling” Valentine roofed a reverse stick scorcher into the Air Force goal. Navy were on their feet, the Read Trophy within their grasp – “Come on Army!” What followed was a nail-biting climax to the game as Air desperately chased a late equaliser and Navy cheered every Army turn over of the ball. When the final whistle at last sounded, Army had their ‘small’ victory; the Navy crowd went wild – we were Inter-Services Champions for the first time, ever!

Navy players were also rewarded with good showings for NZDF selection both men and ladies (see table below). Overall this year’s tournament was further evidence that NZDF Hockey is well and truly back on the map with all services putting out strong squads and an impressive standard of play was reached. Next year it will be Navy’s turn to host the tournament so standby for more action.

Tournament Awards

Tri Service Trophies

• The Read Trophy for NZDF Men’s Competition Champions: Navy
• The Sam Kereama Memorial Trophy for NZDF Women’s Competition Champions: Army
• The Ces Cameron Cup – Spirit of NZDF Hockey Trophy: Army Men
• The Army Hockey Association Trophy - Men’s MVP: LT Chris Furminger (Army)
• The RNZAF Hockey Association Trophy - Women’s Most promising Player: LET Tamara Morgan (Navy)
• The Navy Hockey Club Trophy – Most promising Player: ENS Clare Hayward (Navy)

Navy Trophies

• Alex Duley Cup for Navy Women’s MVP: ENS Clare Hayward
• Ian Bartholomew Trophy for Navy Men’s MVP: SLT Jan Peterson