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Royal NZ Navy Wins Tri Nations

Royal NZ Navy Team celebrates with the cup

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) got the New Zealand Rugby League international season off to an excellent start when they won the final of the Tri Nations Navy tournament 24 - 10 against the British Royal Navy (RN) in Auckland yesterday.

Both teams came out hard and fast and had early tries disallowed due to handling errors, caused in part by the cold wet conditions. Eventually on the back of sustained pressure, the Kiwis scored three first half tries and it was 18 - nil at the break.

After half time the RN came out the more determined and were rewarded with two tries bringing the score back to 18 - 10. They scored what was the try of the game, with the winger receiving the ball in space and running 70 metres to score an excellent long range try, earning him the applause of both teams' supporters.

The score remained 18 -10 with time enough on the clock for the RN to catch the Kiwis if they were good enough. Unfortunately despite even more possession and a Kiwi spending ten minutes in the sin bin for a high shot, they couldn't score again and the RN scored a late try to win 24 -10.

It was a gutsy effort by both teams in trying conditions, and was well supported by Navy personnel and the many other league fans who made the trip to Devonport.

All teams were treated to a wonderful after match function at the Ngataringa sports complex where players and shipmates from all countries had the chance to relax and mingle. The formal side of the evening saw players from all teams presented with a variety of awards relating to their on field performances throughout the tournament.

The Royal Navy Tri Nations cup was presented to the Captain of the NZ Navy team, who then laid down the challenge to the other nations to try and capture the trophy in two years time.

This tournament will be held bi-annually, and the NZ Defence Forces Rugby League tournament, Army vs Navy vs Airforce, is to be held in Auckland in September this year.