RAF WIN 2 GAMES TO 1

On Mon 31 May 10 an excited and mentally prepared RAF Women’s Rugby squad set off for New Zealand. With a gruelling itinerary ahead the squad were under no illusions regarding the effort that was required over the days to come. After a very long flight via Singapore and Sydney we landed in Auckland on 2 Jun and synchronised our watches for the 11 hour time difference. We were met by and hosted by the New Zealand Air Force who gave us a very warm welcome. We were then taken to RNZAF Base Auckland where we were issued minibuses and accommodation. This is where we were to spend the first 3 nights. After a jet lag fuelled sleep the squad met up for a morning training session in preparation for our first game at 1500hrs.

1^st Game – 3 Jun 10 -RAF v Whangerei Divas, a civilian team from Auckland. Jet lag aside, we knew it was going to be a hard battle both mentally and physically. A forward dominated game with the opposition using their size and strength effectively but the determination of the RAF defence meant is was 20 minutes before putting a score on the board. In the closing minutes and 5 tries down, the RAF forwards secured some good, clean ball in the lineout and the backs used their pace to score the finishing try. Final Score RAF 5 - Whangerei Divas 25

The next day was a recovery/admin day which began with a pool session which eased off the aches and pains from the game. The squad watched the Men’s Inter-base Rugby League games and the coaches went to watch a North Harbour Rugby game off base.

Sat 5 Jun 10 -In the pouring rain, we set off on a 3 hour journey to Rotorua, a popular backpacker town famous for its Adventure Training facilities. Here we stayed in Crank Backpackers, Youth Hostel which boasted a climbing wall and cinema. Upon arrival, some explored the town while others went on a luge. That evening we went to a cultural Mitai experience where we enjoyed a traditional Maori feast, watched a row past by Maori warriors in their traditional canoe, observed glow worms at night and as a finale were treated to the ‘HAKA’. An amazing night!

Sun 6 Jun- The rain continued, however it didn’t dampen the spirits of the squad who made good use of the climbing wall and internet facilities. That afternoon we went white water rafting. After some tuition and the necessary briefs we took to the water. A daunting experience for some however everyone took part. The rafting was fast and furious which included a 7m sheer drop (or so I believe - My eyes were closed!). On return to the Youth Hostel we went to the famous Geothermal Mineral Pools, believed to have healing and rejuvenating qualities.

Mon 7 Jun – Some of the group spent the morning visiting the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve outside Rotorua. Here they saw the Lady Know Geyser erupt, bubbling hot mud pools and a multi-coloured array of mineral pools and rock formations. The other half of the squad went to the Kiwi bird reserve where they learnt about and watched the endangered bird in its protected habitat. That afternoon we travelled to RNZAF Base Ohakea where we were to spend the following 3 days and play out our 2^nd game. That evening we were hosted by the Ohakea Team and were given a very warm welcome.

2^nd Game – Tue 8 Jun - RAF v RNZAF Selects, a Southern/Central Selection side with varying levels of experience. The game was very competitive from the offset with the RAF pressurizing the NZ defence. With an evidently more settled RAF side, the whole team worked together well to score the first tries. Just before the half time whistle NZ scored a well deserved try. The RAF steamed ahead in the second half whistle an impressive flourish of ball handling skills and pace to finish the game. Final Score RAF 45 – RNZAF Selects 10

The following day some of the Ohakea Girls took us to Palmerston North where we visited the New Zealand Museum of Rugby. Here we presented the Museum with a commemorative RAFRUW Coin. We then travelled to the Tui Brewery for a guided tour and a spot of lunch. On Thurs 10 Jun the majority of the day was spent travelling back up to Auckland. On the way back the buses stopped at various locations to admire the stunning scenery around Lake Taupo and some of the braver girls did a bungee jump and bridge swing. We then returned to our original accommodation at Auckland.

After a turbulent night, some of the team developed a diarrhoea and vomiting bug which took its toll on some of the players. All fit players attended a light training session in the hope that the squad would recover by kick off.

3^rd Game - Fri 11 Jun – RAF v RNZAF Northern Selects. The weather conditions for the final match were wet and windy. The pitch was sodden and by the end of the game had become a mud bath. Due to illness and injury the match was played as 10-a-side with uncontested scrums. This was the closest of all three matches; players on both teams had a similar level of experience. It was a hard, physical game with both sides competing fiercely for the ball.Both teams showed determination in contact but the weather conditions made it hard for the backs to really exploit the amount of space created by a 10-a-side game. There were a lot of handling errors but both sides managed to hold onto the ball long enough to score. Fortunately for the RAF, they managed to cross the line twice before the final whistle! Final ScoreRAF 10- RNZAF Northern Selects 5.

On Sat 12 Jun 10 – A light recovery session took place in the pool. Later, we explored Auckland and went up the famous Auckland Skytower, the tallest building in New Zealand. Some of the players did very well to manage their fear of heights during the trip. Later that evening we met up to watch two International Rugby Games on TV. The next day we spent the morning packing and tidying up our accommodation. Some players went to visit the Auckland Museum and watched a presentation of Maori culture and others went into Auckland to get last minute souvenirs. In the evening we held a final social event with RNZAF players before saying our goodbyes.

Mon 14 Jun 10 – We began our long journey home. I know I speak for everyone when I say that the RNZAF and Whangerei Divas gave us the warmest welcome imaginable. I only hope we can return their kindness and effort in later years. Friendships were formed and fun was had but above all the RAFRUW had the experience of a life time.

We would like to thank the RAF Sports Lottery, Provost Marshall’s Welfare Fund and our respective gyms for their support and funding. Thanks also to Flt Lt Helen Reade who had the challenging task of organising this extremely successful tour.

Written By Cpl Andrea Donnelly