UNIT RUGBY

Dragon, 1 December 1942, Page 17

UNIT RUGBY

One Battalion had its share of reps, in the Pukekohe rugby team which this season defended the Peace Cup against challenges from sub-unions of the Auckland Rugby Union. There were always at least 12 "tankers" in the team and on some occasions there were only one or two local players in the side. The games were productive of high-class and interesting rugby and the local public were always present in large numbers. The tank boys enjoyed the opportunity to play for the district which had welcomed them so readily, and it was very gratifying to them that the team retained the trophy against some strong sides. The following played for Pukekohe this season:—

Tpr. D. Mann (H.Q.), Cpl. N. A. Mitchell (B), Tpr. C. M. Mortimer (Reinfts.), Cpl. P. Hyndman (B), Tpr. J. Elkis (C), Tpr. H. S. Robinson (A), Tpr. A. L. Manion (A), Tpr. I. A. Cockcroft (H.Q.), Lieut C. K. Saxton (H.Q.), Lieut C. F. S. Caldwell (A), Sgt. P. C. Banham (C), Sgt. R. J. Forrest (H.Q.), Lieut. T. M. R. Maskew (C), Sgt. G. T. Hoare (C), Cpl. B. S. Coburn (C), Tpr. D. H. McLeod (B), Pte. C. L. W. Bishop (Lt. Fd. Amb., att.), Lieut H. H. Deans (A), Pte. A. Bennett (Bde. Ord., att.), Sgt. D. McGlashon (Bde. Ord., att.), Tor. D. A. Grant (A), Tpr. A. T. Panther (A), Tpr. I. J. Adamson (H.Q.), Tpr. W. G. Glasson (B), L/Cpl. D. Gibson (H.Q.), L/Cpl. F. W. Cavanagh (H.Q.). Results of matches played were: — v. Auckland B. Won, 28—12. v. Morrinsville. Won, 22—9. v. Matamata. Won, 14 —13. v. Hamilton. Won, —3 v. Thames. Won, 23—6. v. Rotorua.Won by default. v. Waihi. Won by default. v. 34th Bn. (3 Div.). Won, 31—16. The Bn. team was undefeated when we left Camp, L.F.A. Rugby. Despite the loss of several outstanding players through injuries and the departure of our section for Pukekohe, the units had quite a successful season. The team finished runners-up in the "B" grade competition. Two players, Sgt. A. L. McPhail and Pte. C. L. W. Bishop represented us on a number of occasions in the Brigade XV, while two others, Cpl. W. Dalbeth and Dr. T. M. Perkins were selected to play in trial matches. Of the total games played 9 were won and 4 lost. Ordnance Rugby. The rugby football season is now drawing to a close and we can look back on a most successful and enjoyable series of games with the various units of the Brigade. Keen rivalry has always existed between Ordnance and Two Tanks, both teams taking the field determined to "do or die" when they have been matched against each other.

One of our players, Sgt. Colin Sullivan, has consistently made the Brigade representative team, and in this respect Cpl. Eric Calvert has been unlucky; he has twice been a reserve but has not yet had a game. Cpl. Calvert's captaincy during the season has been an inspiration to the team, and it is hoped that he will lead the team on many future occasions.