Cpl Leah Kite popping the ball back to Sgt Byron Lee after a another successfull lineout in the match between Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day. The New Zealand side proved too strong for the Aussies, beating them 42-18. Photo by LCpl Heath Clothier, PMG

Spirits soar for PMG

By Sgt Byron Lee and Cpl Leah Kite
AS DAWN greeted the coast of Bouganville island, Anzac Day 2003 began. Soldiers, sailors and airmen and women from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu, stood side by side to bow their heads and reflect on the sacrifices made by their forefathers.

A game of Rugby Union was the order of the day to mark the end of an era, as this was to be the last Anzac Day in Bougainville for the Peace Monitoring Group (PMG).

In the true Anzac spirit, the members of the PMG came together to form two teams, Australia and New Zealand. The Fijian and Vanuatuan members of the PMG supplemented the Kiwi team.

Before the game the two captains, Australian Sgt Byron Lee and New Zealander Cpl ‘Bruiser’ Bromwich, laid down the modified rules and briefed the local referee.

After a minutes silence the New Zealand team performed an eerie traditional Haka and the battle began.

The game was fought hard in the forward pack with all members being able to hold their own, especially the only female on the Australian team, Cpl Leah Kite, making herself available at all breakdowns of play and being in all the action from scrums to the lineouts.

However, the Australian back line played second fiddle to the Kiwis. Their side was made up mostly of Fijian and Vanuatuans and, with their lighting speed and natural ability, they ran circles around the Australian backline.

The player of the match was Vanuatuan Cpl David Bong, scoring three tries.

In the end the New Zealand team were victorious beating the Australians 42-18.

Try scorers for the New Zealand team were Cpl Edge with two, Cpl Bromwich with one, Pte Eriha with one, Cpl Bong with three and Cpl Taliban with one.

Try scorers for the defeated Australian side were WO2 Barry Bryan, AB Shankland and Pte Entwistle, all with one try to their name.

.