9 October 2024
Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) dominated the Australian War College (AWC) in the annual Ash Powers Cup Rugby match at Portsea oval, Canberra.
Despite fielding a team of only 19 against the AWC’s 32 players, HQJOC kicked off and charged hard into the opposition.
In the wet conditions, it wasn’t long before AWC turned over the ball in their own 22 and with some slick back-line movement HQJOC’s Josh Story scored the first try.
Late first-half tries to HQJOC’s Captain Mathew Horne and Nic Mulligan had the HQJOC team going into the sheds with a solid 17-0 lead.
Hindered by player unavailability and injury, and with their bench depleted, HQJOC manager Major Lachlan Newman took to the field mid second half, scoring a try in the corner off a set play by the backline to push the lead out to 22-0.
A consolation try to AWC’s Major Justin Langford late in the second half brought the scores to 22-5 before the final siren.
AWC Owls team captain Major Christopher Mead said it was a great opportunity for the officers on Australian Command and Staff Course to get involved with rugby.
“We all have a very busy schedule during our time at the course and having the chance to play some sport is a great way to come together for a break from our studies,” Major Mead said.
After being presented with the cup, Captain Horne said he was happy for the win.
“This was our first game as a team, with a depleted bench, and coming up against a side with a mass of players we are stoked to have won,” Captain Horn said.
The annual cup is named after Lieutenant General Ash Powers, Former Chief of Joint Operations at HQJOC.
