Presidents vs Australian Navy

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 407, 8 October 1991, Page 12

Presidents vs Australian Navy

BY

JO

HOWIE

The Australian Navy rugby team drew with a Waiouru Presidents XV recently. The Presidents XV consisted of players from Taihape, Waiouru, and Ohakune. The team organiser and coach was Jim Ward. Before the game the Australian management were concerned that the game was going to be a miss-match in favour of the locals but the score accurately reflected on how evenly matched the teams were on the day. The strong wind helped the team who played with it and in the

first half the Australians used the wind well to gain territory, and scored first with a try, soon followed by a drop goal. While the Australian forwards were bigger, the Presidents team competed fiercely ensuring their fair share of the ball. In the second

half the Presidents used the wind well and turned up the pressure to match the Australian's two tries. The Aussie backs were always dangerous making many breaks but couldn't finish them of. Of interest was the Aussie first 5/8 Holden, nicknamed 'FJ' by the

Australians, but who is originally from Taihape. "Any Aussie/New Zealand clash in any sport, at any level is always going to be a competitive affair. Today's game was no exception, and the draw was a fair result," said a Waiouru club member.

The Australians lost the first test against the Royal New Zealand Navy 15-9 and are hoping to avenge this defeat in the second test. Of course the New Zealand Navy in its 50th Anniversary will be keen to win the series.