17 August 2010

The annual inter unit sporting contest between 2/1 and 1 RNZIR lived up to participants and spectators’ expectations as being a very fiercely contested event.

This year saw five codes contested over two days of competition. A new twist on the traditional cross country running code was the introduction of a 10 x 1 Mile Relay consisting of two teams of 10 runners, each team having to include an over 35 year old veteran and a woman. The course was four laps of the 1RNZIR quad complex which was a fraction over a mile. Although 2/1 looked the better team on paper by about two minutes, 1RNZIR ran themselves ragged to come within 2 seconds at the finish. Overall a very successful event that allowed full spectator participation and had the crowd ‘going wild’.

The rugby league score line was probably not a good reflection of the match as 1 RNZIR held a more senior and experienced side to a close margin at half time. The inclusion of 2/1 and Army Rugby League stalwart WO2 Joe Taipari proved decisive in the second half as he went on to score twice and set up an additional try. Despite the hard work put in over the season by 1RNZIR to develop their squad, 2/1 RNZIR went away winners with a final score line of 32 – 10.

Basketball provided 1RNZIR with their only win of the contest and was a fabulous game to watch. Both teams were well matched and the score line throughout was very rarely beyond 5 points. The final three minutes proved decisive for 1 RNZIR, who through some accurate shooting and committed defence were able to establish and maintain a comfortable buffer and win with a six point margin.

With the contest tally being 2 – 1 going in to the final day, 1RNZIR could be forgiven for thinking that an upset of sorts might have been on the cards. The soccer score was 1-0 at the half way spell, however after a distracting incident midway through the second half, 2/1 RNZIR were able to score again to retain the Danny Halligan Jersey. Again, a well fought event in what was generally considered to be a better game technically than last year.

The final event was the seniors’ rugby, with 2/1 RNZIR fielding a very strong team compared to 1 RNZIR which is in the first phase of a rebuilding period. Both teams played very well and 2/1 RNZIR’s power up front was evident at scrum time. Notwithstanding this, 1 RNZIR played with commitment and held the opposition to a modest score at half time. 2/1 RNZIR upped the ante in the second half and was able to dominate apart for a late try from 1 RNZIR that provided a degree of credibility and reward for the effort they had put in to prepare for the game.

Overall it was a well contested event that strengthened the fellowship and espirit de corps between the two units. It is noteworthy that the event represented a little under a quarter of the entire RF manning of the NZ Army, a fact that was borne out by the high level of ability of all teams. It was clear that the competition is in good heart and will continue to be a regular event for the units despite operational commitments.

Summary

Sport	Winner	Score	Player of the Day 1 RNZIR	Player of the Day 2/1 RNZIR
10 x 1 Mile Relay	2/1 RNZIR	By 2 seconds	CPL A. BLACKWELL	LCPL P. LOGAN
Rugby League	2/1 RNZIR	32 - 10	LCPL H. MURFITT	LCPL HAURAKI
Basketball	1 RNZIR	57 - 51	LCPL J. WHAREPOURI	PTE E. J. REED
Soccer	2/1 RNZIR	2 - 0	PTE B. PALMER	PTE SMALLBONE
Rugby	2/1 RNZIR	39 - 7	PTE A. MANGINO	CPL V. RUDOLPH

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