Inter-Services’ Victory!
By CPODR Brendon Johnson
Navy hosted this year’s Inter-Services Rugby League tournament during September. The RNZN Coaching staff and team management had planned an all-out assault to uplift the Mad Butcher Trophy, which had been held by Army over the past six 6 years. An extended RNZN training squad of 41 players was selected from the annual Inter-Ship competition and from those who had played for the club throughout the 2009 season. A testing training schedule was set up, which allowed all squad members the opportunity to show what they had to offer, before the final training squad of 20 was announced.
Our focus was on the first game against Air Force, who bought their strongest team in ten years. The game was fierce, with the forwards battling for dominance. Navy scored first, with tries by AMT(P) Dinnel Mio and ASCS Adrian Shelford. At half time we held a 12–4 lead. The second half provided more excitement and big hits but the commitment by the Navy team was overwhelming, with ASCS Shelford proving pivotal in winning the game 16–12.
The second day saw Air Force play Army in a spectacular match that could have matched any NRL game! Army took what seemed an unassailable lead, but with only 20 minutes left, Air Force found another gear and proceeded to claw back to 26–all. With three minutes remaining and after numerous drop goal attempts by both teams the outcome looked like a draw … but at one minute left, Air Force attacked 80m up the right hand side until a penalty was awarded. The crowd was enthralled as the 40 m kick went right through the middle. Air Force had defeated Army 28–26, their first victory over Army in more than 15 years.
That left the RNZN side having to win or draw against Army to take the title. Our mental preparation was focussed on ensuring that the 17 who were selected were going out with one mission, to win.
The forwards battled for ascendancy, until Army made the first clear break which was shut down by an outstanding scramble in defence by ASCS Shelford. The next Army attack spread across field and was shutdown by a bone-rattling tackle from POSA Aaron Poroa-Simmons.
The Navy attack was led by 20-year veteran POCSS Lance Tahiwi and LCO Dave Tapene. Tries in the first half were scored by ASCS Shelford and LDR Phil Smyth; both were converted by AMT Benji Bush who kicked brilliantly throughout the tournament. Halftime: 12-2 to Navy.
Army came back hard in the second half with a quick try. With the score at 12–6 and a man in the sin bin for Navy, Army found some inspiration and attacked continuously. The Navy defence was robust and held strong. With eight minutes to go, ODR Palu Tonga fired off a set scrum play and ran through the Army defence to score, ensuring both the match and the tournament were won by Navy!
Coaching and management for Navy League 2009 would like to thank CPOPTI Matt Jeffries and his staff for a well-organised tournament. And thanks, too, to all the COs and department heads who ensured our best players were available for the 2009 campaign.
Tournament Results
- Navy 16 v Air Force 12
- Air Force 28 v Army 26
- Navy 18 v Army 8
Standings:
- 1st: Navy; Winners of the Mad Butcher Trophy 2009
- 2nd: Air Force
- 3rd: Army
Tournament awards:
- Best Rookie: ODR S. Tonga
- Best Forward: Cpl B. Brown
- Best Back: Cpl J. Ryan
- MVP: AMT D Mio
NZDF Team Selections:
- CPOET R. Wattie
- CPODR B. Johnson
- CPOSA P. Warbrick
- LCO T. Matoe
- LSCS W. Sio
- ASCS A. Shelford
- ASCS S. O’Brien
- AMT B. Bush
- ODR S. Tonga
- OCSS I. Toleafoa
- LCO D. Tapene
- POSA A. Poroa-Simmons
- POSA D. Mauafu
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