By
Andrew Stackpool
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A
Kiwi player secures the ball in a tough lineout during the
Burn-Mertz Shield match between Air Force and New Zealand.
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Photo
by LAC Rob Mitchell
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Burn-Mertz
Shield
Air Force team
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Players
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FLGOFF
Andrew Burke
FLGOFF Lachlan Melville
FLGOFF Adrian Rodgers
FLGOFF Patrick Wall
OFFCDT Darwin Natano
SGT Jason Ryan
CPL Jason Akaran
CPL Jason Bastaja
CPL John Hood
CPL Richard Lucker
CPL Michael McCabe
CPL Scott McKenzie
CPL Ian McWhirter
LAC Alladice Aufai
LAC Brendan Christensen
LAC Brenton Eastwood
LAC Ryan Espie
LAC Ricky Gayler
LAC Tony Jeans
LAC Tony Kelly
LAC Pete Madigan
LAC Liam Mulhall
LAC Matthew Proberts
LAC Shane Royle
LAC Darryl West
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Officials
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SQNLDR
Tim Anderson
SQNLDR Ben Sweeney
WOFF Terence Connor
SGT Adam Campaign
SGT Chris Filmer
SGT Troy Morris
Ted Christensen
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FOR
the second year in a row, Air Force has been unable to stop their
New Zealand counterparts from winning the Burn-Merz Shield.
The 2005 Shield comprised two rugby union test matches at RAAF
Bases Amberley and Williamtown on May 3 and 6 respectively.
Four hundred supporters turned out at Amberley, and another 250
showed up at Williamtown.
The Kiwis took the first match 19-7. Air Force players maintained
great territorial possession, but the Kiwis had the stronger defence,
brilliant boot play and a fullback described by many as “extraordinary”.
Only a try late in the game to Leading Aircraftman Alladice Aufai,
of RAAF Base Darwin, closed the gap between the two teams.
In the second game at RAAF Base Williamtown, the dogged Kiwi defence
held and the New Zealanders clinched their right to retain the
trophy with a convincing 31-0 win over the Aussies.
“After the first game, our team fancied its chances of knocking
the Kiwis out in the second game, but to the New Zealander’s
credit, they raised their game to another level and were just
too good for us,” operations manager Squadron Leader Tim
Anderson said.
“From a positive point of view, the team continues to build
towards the Australian Services rugby championships [which is
being played in Sydney this week, from May 15-21] and we have
a very young and skilful side that will serve Air Force and Air
Force rugby union very well for many years to come.”
Thirty-two Air Force players and officials, from across Australian
bases and establishments, took part in the contest.
CAF said the game paid tribute to an Australian and a New Zealander
who died together 90 years ago – they were the first ANZAC
aircrew to be killed in action during World War I.
“We are participating in the friendly rivalry of a rugby
competition,” Air Marshal Angus Houston said.
“We lost the series 2-0 but our relationship with the Royal
New Zealand Air Force has been greatly enhanced by a hard and
fair series played in the right spirit.”
The Air Force team, both men and women, will be seeking to redress
the balance when they tour New Zealand in May 2006.
Members interested in participating in Air Force rugby union or
wanting more information about the Burn-Merz Shield and other
competitions and tours can access the web site www.airforcerugby.asn.au.
