The unthinkable has happened, as the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) pulled off an unlikely victory over its Royal Australian Navy (RAN) counterparts in a friendly Australian Rules clash in Wellington recently.

The RNZN team slotted the first goal of the match and never looked back, claiming bragging rights in the 16-point win.

The nine-a-side clash was organised while HMAS Canberra was in town for a port visit, the first time the Landing Helicopter Dock ship has visited her namesake’s sister city, Wellington.

Both teams adopted a relaxed approach to the modified rules encounter, with RAN providing extra players to their opponents, including a handful of embarked Australian Army personnel, who turned out to be among the home side’s best.

For the visitors, Able Seaman Lachlan De Aline stood tall for RAN and was named its best player in the post-game presentation.

Chief Petty Officer Mark McLure, coach of the RAN side, said that despite the result, the team appreciated the opportunity to take the field against their RNZN mates.

“It didn’t go our way today, but we had a crack and still enjoyed getting out, running around and having a bit of a laugh,” Chief Petty Officer McLure said.

“We were a bit rusty and they jumped us at the start, but it was all good fun and great to be a part of.

“The highlight for me was the way the makeshift team came together to play with great spirit and pride.”

Canberra was in Wellington as part of a high-profile strategic engagement to enhance cooperation and work towards interoperability as one integrated Anzac force.

As part of the visit, RAN’s Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond participated in a range of navy-to-navy meetings with RNZN counterparts.

Other official activities also took place, including a traditional freedom-of-entry parade, civic reception and sunset ceremony, as well as the ship’s company volunteering in a range of community projects.