ANZAC Rugby
Burnz-Merz Shield Challenge. RNZAF vs RAAF at Whenuapai Oval. (AK-08-0164-48).
In preparation for ANZAC celebrations, the Australian Air Force Rugby Union side travelled to Auckland to face the RNZAF for the annual Burn-Merz shield. This shield is played for annually and named after two RAAF and RNZAF Pilots who were the first to be killed in action for both of our countries. Since the shield’s introduction in 2004 only one team has had its name engraved on it…us!
After a 1 point loss last year the Australians were confident leading into the game. We too were quietly confident, but as per the norm we still had players arriving for the match just hours before the game due to difficulties with gaining release from their units. However, from the kick off there was only one team in it. After approx 2 mins halfback FLTLT Charlie Beetham surprised the RAAF (and RNZAF!) by taking a quick tap and linked with a couple of forwards to create the first try. From then on it was a steady flow of points for the RNZAF with the main benefactor being AC Bryce Hesselin who scored 4 tries. The only time the game slowed was to check on the health of the Australian centre after a bone shattering tackle by CPL Parata Ainsley. Thankfully he got back to his feet to enable him to walk off.
Air vs Navy. (OH-08-0287-71).
The final score was 46-0 to the RNZAF, which is the largest winning margin in the 5 years the shield has been played for. Other players to shine for the RNZAF included SGT Perry Frecklington with his Owen Scrimager-like rangy runs and CPL John Ryan who had a strong game at 2nd 5. Thanks to all the sections in Auckland who made this event the success it was and plans are already underway for the RNZAF tour down under next year.
Auckland 7s Tournament
On 16 February the Base Auckland rugby club hosted a round of the North Harbour rugby 7s which included 7 North Harbour clubs, 1 from Auckland and 1 from Morrinsville. The tournament also enabled the Air Force to enter a team which was seen as a great way to develop players as well as test the fitness. Play ran from 0900 hrs in the morning with the final being played at 1640 hrs so it was an action packed day.
Air women vs Navy women. (OH-08-0287-20).
The Air Force team lost to North Harbour Marist (with no less than 3 NZ 7s squad members!) 21-7 in their opening game which was a pretty solid performance. They then went down to Silverdale 19-17 in the other pool match with a couple of bounces of the ball going the opposition’s way. In the final of the Shield the Air Force team then trounced Kereone 41-0 to get some silverware for their efforts. The Cup, and prize money was eventually won by AK Marist who beat Massey in the final in what was a close entertaining game. The 100 metre dash at the half time break was won by North Harbour Marist’s David Faelilii (Commonwealth Games 4 x 100m team member) in a fast race. The Air Force’s entry CPL Parata Ainsley never made the start line to the disappointment of a large crowd.