Up and Under Interbase Rugby
By SGT Isaac Hastings
Women's rugby
Over the period 22-24 August, Ohakea hosted Interbase rugby. This year we had the standard Ohakea, Woodbourne and Auckland men’s teams, but also had the pleasure of hosting a women’s sevens team from each base. For the six weeks prior to Interbase, the entire country had been lashed with heavy rain so any thoughts of a hard and fast track were distant memories. Then there was the wind to contend with as well. Interbase was definitely going to be a mud and glory affair.
Day 1 – Auckland v Ohakea
AK v OH game
A typical interbase battle and it was apparent from kick-off that neither team wanted to lose this one. Ohakea got the strong tailwind for the first half and opened the scoreboard three minutes in with a penalty. Using the wind to their advantage, they were up 17 nil at half-time.
Going into the second half, was the wind worth 17 points? This was the question on Ohakea’s lips for the next 40 minutes. The second half was full on, with Ohakea defending for almost the entire time. Auckland had done well, clawing their way back to 17-12 by, what most supporters thought to be, full-time. Into injury time, Auckland put in one last immense attack, which paid off with a late try. Another epic battle, finishing with a 17 all draw in less than ideal conditions.
Day 2 – Ohakea v Woodbourne
Coach F/S Daz Horsley
A battle-worn Ohakea ran onto the field for their second game in as many days. Again, this was a ‘do or die’ game, which neither team wanted to concede. Woodbourne, with its powerhouse forward pack, played a tight, controlling game, which paid off in the 22nd minute with a converted try. As the drizzle set in and the field turned from green grass to grey mud, the game slowed but the Woodbourne forwards stuck to their game plan and continued to dominate. Half-time came and went, with Ohakea continuing to work hard on defence. As the second half counted down, a couple of gaps opened and Woodbourne capitalised with a full-time score of 28 nil.
Day 3 – Woodbourne v Auckland
Woodbourne v Auckland
With the final still up for grabs, again this was to be a massive game. Unfortunately, the mighty Manawatu weather was less than desirable, with constant drizzle taking its toll on an already well-worn track. Fifteen minutes into the game, Auckland got first blood with a three-point penalty. The game continued with the majority of the game being played in the forwards. A well-executed back move had a Woodbourne winger over for a timely try, right before half-time. As the game continued, it was hard to tell which team was which, as they had all turned a shade of grey. The battle continued and, again, the Woodbourne forwards toiled in the tight. Auckland’s frustration saw them concede several penalties, and a try to Woodbourne late in the game had the full-time score at 23-3. This was Woodbourne’s first Isitt Cup win away from home Base, in a good number of years – a well deserved victory to the Woodbourne Ligers.
Women’s
Big tackles all over the field
The women played a round robin tournament on the Saturday, and continued with a second round on the Sunday. Overall, the standard was extremely high, with some awesome individual and teams skills displayed. With some big hits that had the most hardened rugby supporters cringing, it was great to watch and certainly added another dimension to interbase rugby. It was a closely fought battle that saw Auckland come out on top with first place. Women’s rugby during interbase – long may it continue.
Final Night
The final night function was a great end to what had been a close and exciting tournament. The formal part of the evening was well supported, and we had the pleasure of having GPCAPT Clarke, AIRCDRE Stockwell, and AIRCDRE House to present the awards. Thanks to all those players, coaches, managers, referees, and supporters, who take the time to ensure that these events continue.