Police & Army draw in league game

Ruapehu Bulletin, 25 August 1992, Page 14

Police & Army draw in league game

BY

JAN

SAVELL

There was a nail-biting finish when the Police and Army rugby league teams clashed on Sunday last week. The leaders of the interservices competition drew 10- all when they played at Ohakea. The competition started on Saturday with the Army winning against the Air Force 28-6.Tries were scored by LCpl Rollo (2), Dvr Rogers (2), Cpl Hemopo (1), LCpl Archer (1). LCpl Archer also kicked two conversions. On the same day the Police team won the right to meet the Army in the final, by beating the Navy 26-19. Sunday's championship match proved to be enthralling with the Army team dominating play. With five minutes to go the score was 10-8 to the Army, when a penalty was given. Three minutes later LCpl Griffith just failed to drop kick a goal which would have put the Army in the lead. The army's tries were scored by vice captain Lcpl Shane Griffith and LCpl Ranginui. LCpl Archer converted one of these.

Player Of The Match was twice awarded to LCpl Daryn Ranginui and Army Team Player was Dvr Johnny Rogers. Third place in the tournament went to the Air Force who narrowly beat the Navy 24-22. At the conclusion of the competition a combined services team was chosen. Eight of the twenty players are from the Army. They are Dvr Warwick Archer, Pte William Betham, LCpl Shane Griffith, Pte Michael Horo, Lcpl Terry Miritana, LCpl Jackson Puketapu, Lcpl Daryn Ranginui and Dvr Johny Rogers. As yet this is a paper team only but officials are working at arranging a match. The full Army team was captained by Pte Horo and included LCpl Donovan Clarke, LCpl Dean Davoren, Cpl Barry Hemopo, Cpl Robert Jobe, Sgt Barney Parata, Pte Arron Pratt, LCpl Alex Tuitubou, Pte Kevin Rolleston, Pte Joe Waiariki, Pte Peter Vaigafa and LCpl Brent Van Sturm. Sgt Jim Solomon coached the team with assistance from W02 Jack Milford.