AIR FORCE SPORTS FIELD DAY

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 22, 27 September 1940, Page 1

AIR FORCE SPORTS FIELD DAY

Three Stations Compete WOODBURNE WINS RUGBY, RONGOTAI HOCKEY Royal New Zealand Air Force teams from Rongotai, Woodburne, and Levin stations participated in a field day at Newtown Park on Saturday. They competed in a four-team hockey tournament, and in a Rugby match of. high standard. A large number of officers and men watched the play. The grounds were in excellent condition. Woodbourne beat Rongotai at Rugby 28-nil, playing very much the better game. The hockey tournament resulted in three teams each winning one, and drawing two, of three matches, and was consequently decided on goal totals; Rongotai A team won, with Woodbourne second. Willing Rugby. Though not perhaps an outstanding game, the Rugby match was distinguished by the extreme willingness of the teams. Woodbourne played a bright game, marred by uncertain handling and speculative passing. Their pack worked well, and had the advantage in scrums and lineouts. Their backs, well sent away by the halfback, made a good many bright movements, and apart from the poor passing, this was the best feature of the afternoon’s play. During the first spell, Henry and Strachan each scored two tries, and Strachan converted two, giving the visiting team a lead of 16-nil. Rongotai showed signs of rallying in the second half, but soon faded out again: Holmes, Jacobson, and Upchurch were the three outstanding players of the side, Upchurch particularly showing up on defence. One of the main factors contributing to their defeat was their weak tackling. Karsten potted a goal in the second half; Ware, a hard-working forward, broke through from the ruck and scored a try, and Calvert made a brilliant run down the wing and round between the

posts. Strachan converted this last try. Even Hockey Tourney. Rongotai A and B teams, Woodbourne and Levin had teams in the all-day hockey competition. On the whole, play was of a good' standard, and the games were very even and keen. An interesting position was revealed at the close of play, when it was found that both Rongotai teams, and Woodbourne, had won once and drawn twice, making a tie. The contest was decided on a count of goals, therefore, the results being Rongotai A 11 for, 6 against; Woodbourne 8 for, 5 against ; Levin 5 for, 14 against; Rongotai B 5 for, 4 against. Results of the various games were: Rongotai A. drew with Woodbourne, 2 all; Rongotai B beat Levin 2-1; Rongotai A beat Levin 7-2; Woodbourne drew with Rongotai B 1 all; Rongotai A drew with Rongotai B 2 all ; Woodbourne beat Levin 5-2.