Battleship

HMAS Canberra, in the white and blue jerseys challenged HMAS Arunta, in the gold and black jerseys to a game of rugby at FBW last month in wet and trying conditions. Arunta proved too strong, taking the game 10-5. Photo: ABPH Joanne Edwards

By POCSS Chris Boardman

It was a battle of the frigates in the West last month - not at sea but on the rugby ground.

Fresh home from her latest RELEX II patrol HMAS Canberra (CMDR Stuart Mayer) challenged HMAS Arunta (CMDR Braddon Wheeler) to a rugby match but it was the Anzac frigate who would take home the win, defeating Canberra 10-5.

The heavens opened briefly as the teams took to the field, ensuring a forwards game would ensue.

From the kick off the Arunta pack asserted its dominance in the breakdowns, sticking to the game plan to contest every ruck and maul.

Canberra quickly countered the strong Arunta pack by screwing the scrum to regain possession.

Just as Arunta was set to counter, Canberra lost their loose head prop to injury, leaving the scrums uncontested for the remainder of the game.

The first half was dominated by the Arunta pack making yards off the fringe, with only steadfast Canberra defence preventing Arunta from converting pressure and territory into points.

The second half began much the same as the first with the Arunta pack quickly re-asserting its dominance.

It was not long before Arunta crossed the line from a maul, conversion unsuccessful, score 5-0. After the restart, gaps were beginning to open on both sides with only a wet ball and lack of game time preventing the backs from both teams putting on a show.

Arunta’s backs managed to get the ball wide and get over the line for their second try, conversion unsuccessful, score 10-0.

Fifteen minutes from full time, Canberra’s ABET Kade Edwards made a barnstorming run, shrugging off tackles to cross under the posts.

The final minutes of the game saw the Arunta team under pressure with Canberra keen to steal a win but the Arunta defence proved too strong, the final score 10-5 to the FFH.

Best on ground from each team were Arunta - ABCSO Rob Broderson and Canberra - ABET Kade Edwards.

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