// Return of Woodbourne Football Club
By SQNLDR Rod Gwyn and SQNLDR Jackie Searle
After a two year absence from the local competition, the Woodbourne Football Club (WBFC) Men’s Team made a significant impact on its return in 2009.
The season started with two four-a-side teams competing in the local summer football league, The Fly Boys and The Force placing first and third respectively. Both teams consisted of players who would become the core of the Men’s team for the rest of the season.
To further boost the team’s return, the WBFC men’s team won an 11-a-side pre-season tournament held on 04 April, receiving the trophy at the end of season awards dinner. They also represented the RNZAF well in the local community, by putting up an RNZAF Marquee and wearing the RNZAF dry-fit shirts as playing strip.
Round one of the full local competition saw the WBFC Men’s team top their division, with four comprehensive wins from six games, receiving another trophy at the local awards.
Top of the South competition
Winning qualified the team for entry into the Top of the South competition, where the four top Marlborough teams compete against the four top Nelson teams. Although no wins were attained, making this level of the competition in the first year back was a significant achievement in itself.
The team finished the season by winning the Knockout Bowl final, placing it 5th from 12 teams in the competition and gaining another piece of silverware for the trophy cabinet.
Inter-base tournament
During the year the team also competed at the Inter-base tournament in Auckland. Unfortunately, with the tournament being away from Woodbourne, a number of key players could not attend, as they had to focus on their training courses and could not be released.
The Woodbourne team still performed admirably against significantly stronger teams, with an overall placing of third. Given the fluctuating attendance of players due to courses, postings etc, the level of performance over an eight-month season was impressive. The commitment shown by the players to do well and represent the RNZAF in the local community was exceptional.
Not to be out done, and given the distance to travel, the Woodbourne Women’s team, with some fantastic support from Auckland based players, came a creditable second at the Inter-base tournament. While the Auckland Base team proved too strong for the rest of the competition, the Woodbourne composite team performed well.
Local league representatives
Throughout the year, three of the Woodbourne squad also played in the local league for a civilian team. Of those players, AC Kirsten Pease was recognised as the Player’s Player and Rookie for the Inter-base Tournament. This was a significant achievement in her first year of RNZAF Football. In addition to the Men’s and Women’s teams’ efforts, a number of individuals were also recognised for their contribution over the season.
In all, 2009 was an incredibly successful season for the WBFC. Now that we’re back, may the success continue as the teams develop towards achieving even better results in 2010.
Trophies and Awards
Trophies
Tom Methven Memorial Trophy Men’s Player’s Player of the Tournament
Harry Gardiner Memorial Trophy Men’s Sportsmanship
Hendo Cup Women’s Player’s Player of the Tournament
Wigram Shield Women’s Rookie of the Tournament
Jaybee Cup Women’s Team Sportsmanship
Club Awards
Men’s Player of the Year
Women’s Player of the Year
Men’s Most Valuable Player
Goal scorer of the Year
Most Improved Players
- CPL W. Moore
- AC J. Morrison
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Outstanding Contributions
- SQNLDR J. Searle
- F/S V. Binding
- SGT D. Baker
- SGT J. Hickman
- SGT D. Turner
- CPL A. Ball
- AC K. Morgan
Marlborough Football Awards
Pre-Season Tournament Trophy
Goodwin Shield—Men’s Round 1, Div 2 winners
Knockout Bowl—Men’s
Inspiration to Others Trophy
Referee of the Year Trophy
Goalkeeper Award—Men’s Competition
Nominee Inspiration to Others
Nominee Sportsperson—Women’s Competition
Nominee Personality Award—Women’s Competition
Nominee Most Improved Player Overall
Nominee Novice Referee of the Year
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