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An
ADF rugby league player from NSW fends off a New Zealander.
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The
ADF grabs on to tackle a Kiwi during an evenly-matched playoff
for the Eric H. Cox Challenge trophy.
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Photos
by AB Yuri Ramsey
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An
ADF player takes a shot for goal.
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HOWLING
winds, helicopters and disallowed tries defined the fiery match
between the NSW Combined Services Rugby League team and the Royal
New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The CASRL team hosted the Eric
H. Cox “The Bosun” Challenge at Randwick Army Barracks on September
28.
Touring Australia and playing in the threeway competition were
the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) (UK Army) and members from the
RNZAF Rugby League team. Though both teams were looking for victory,
NSW proved strong competition, defeating RLC and drawing with
the Kiwis.
Having suffered two defeats on their tour – to NSW Police and
to Malta – the RLC came out firing on all cylinders in the first game against NSW and scored a quick converted try.
In return, NSW posted two tries out wide to lead 8-6, but RLC
turned the lead around 12-8 at half time. In the first minutes
of the second half, NSW posted a quick unconverted try to level
the scores.
Later, the RLC surrendered a penalty in front and the coach sent
out directions for a shot at goal. NSW’s fourth goalkicker stepped
up and converted the penalty, taking NSW two points clear and
from the ensuing set of six from the kick off, NSW ran the clock
down to record a narrow victory of 14-12.
The next match was between the RLC team and the RNZAF. The Kiwis
ran away with the match 40-0, scoring nine tries, although the
tricky gusts of wind played havoc with their kickers.
The last game of the day, NSW versus RNZAF, was set up for the
winner to take all, but neither team would walk away with the
win.
The first half was marked by strong defence on both sides. Scores
were locked at nil-all at half time. After the break, the Kiwis
returned to the field with the wind advantage.
In the third minute of the second half, two helicopters landed
at the base causing a diversion and a quick back line move from
the Kiwis saw them score under the posts, 6-0.
From the ensuing kick off, NSW returned a length of the field
try, but the elation soon turned sour as the linesman recalled
the players for a forward pass early in the movement.
The ensuing scrum saw the Kiwis again score out wide to lead 10-0.
In the 30th minute of the second half, persistent attack and a
neat inside ball saw Seaman Kyle Arnold crash over the line to
bring the scores to 10-6 to the visitors.
Controversy again struck seven minutes later as the Kiwis, having
scored again to seal the match, were undone by the tournament
officials, who had been informed by the crowd that the Kiwis
had 14 players on the field.
The referee and linesman quickly conferred and disallowed the
try as the 14th man scurried from the field. From the penalty,
the NSW team scored out wide to tie up the match.
Leading Seaman Adam Thomson then set himself up for a difficult left foot kick to win the match. The ball soared high and
straight but the wind howled, holding the ball up.
The ball then fell onto the crossbar, returning to the field
of play and leaving the final score at 10-10.
AIRFORCE
PLAYERS
Players
in the NSW Combined Services rugby league team:
