Commonwealth Trophy Results

Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup 2003 match report - match one RNZN vs RAN Monday 12 May 03

The RNZN lost to the RAN 18-21 in a very close game at Ngataringa Naval Sports Ground. Conditions were good following rain in the morning and improved during the match. The wind increased from the SW during the match. The track was firm but a little slippery. A good-sized crowd of 300 watched a nail biting game, which turned out to be a classic trans-Tasman encounter played in good spirit.

RNZN exerted pressure from the kick-off which resulted in a try to blind-side flanker Petty Officer Ray Climo after 5 minutes. Fullback Leading Seaman Colin Ruri converted the try. The RAN responded quickly with a try out wide to wing Leading Seaman Simmons after 10 minutes. The RNZN tight five rumbled it back into Aussie territory and maintained the pressure to be awarded with a penalty from a ruck and Leading Seaman Colin Ruri slotted it from the 22 to take the score to 10-5. RNZN remained camped in RAN territory and missed another penalty shot from 45 metres out in a following breeze. Again the RNZN forwards stormed back into the RAN 22 and attacked using Ordinary Chef Tim Tehau and Able Gunner Mark Latu to carry the ball forward. Reward came in the 25th minute with Able Gunner Mark Latu getting the overlap out wide after sustained pressure on the Aussie line (15-5). But not to be outdone the RAN struck back with fullback Leading Seaman Chris Bohan fielding a poor kick on the RAN 10 metre line and stepping around the stretched RNZN defence he scampered down the touch line to score near the posts for an easy kick for No.10 Petty Officer Thorpe (15-12). The RAN fullback kicked another penalty from a short foray into RNZN territory (15-15) then the RNZN exerted constant pressure but the RAN defence stepped up and held out several raids on the line. The RAN No. 7 was sin-binned for repeated off-side play but RNZN did not take the shot at goal opting for the line out. The RAN defence continued to impress in holding out the kiwis with half time coming with the scored tied up at 15 all.

The RAN turned with the wind at their backs and slowly reversed the territorial advantage that the kiwis had in the first half. The Australian fullback kicked a penalty after 45 minutes. RNZN responded with a short-lived raid into RAN territory giving Leading Seaman Colin Ruri another penalty shot which he slotted to take the score to 18 all in the 65th minute. The RAN used the wind to keep the kiwis penned into their half and forced several turnovers in mid field. Eventually the opportunity came to take the lead in the 70th minute resulting in the RAN fullback kicking them home, a lead which the Aussies held till fulltime (RAN 21-RNZN 18).

Players of the day; RAN Leading Seaman Chris Bohan fullback and RNZN Petty Officer Lance Tahiwi first five-eight.

Match two RN vs RAN will be played on Wednesday, May 14 with match three RNZN vs RN on Friday, 16 May. The destroyer HMS Marlborough and survey ship HMAS Melville is due in am 14 May that will see 150 plus supporters adding to the very good atmosphere.

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