2012-11 - New Zealand Police Association

To contact the Police Council of Sport, call Alison Murray at the Royal New Zealand Police College.Phone: (04) 238 3139 Email: info@policesport.org.nz Website: www.policesport.org.nzSportSevens heaven at first tournamentPolice Rugby League held its firstsevens tournament in Wellington lastmonth at the New Zealand PoliceCollege. Teams from around the NorthIsland took part, including first timers andseasoned players.In the over-35s grade (masters), theGlobe Coppers, a combined team fromWaikato/Bay of Plenty, picked up thetrophy against the Auckland Chargers in anentertaining match. Lafaele Filipo, a formerNew Zealand A representative and Britishrugby league player showed he still hassome great skills. And Auckland Chargerscaptain John Nelson ran around like a 25year old, not the 50 year old he is.In the open men’s grade, several playersimpressed, especially the Central Cyclonesfrom Palmerston North. Mainly rugbyunion players, they played like seasonedleague players as they took on the leagueteams from Auckland – the CountiesManukau Saints and the Family Pak teamfrom Avondale. Eventually, the Family Pakteam, coached by Constable Ron Ram fromAvondale, took out first prize. After playingsome entertaining and fast rugby league,they were deserving winners.Before the weekend kicked off, playersgathered at the college on the Friday nightfor a barbecue dinner and were entertainedby guest speaker Sir Peter Leitch, aka TheMad Butcher. Tournament organiser TonyFeasey said it was the first time Sir Peterhad done a speaking engagement where hetalked solely about his experience in rugbyleague. He usually also talks about his lifegrowing up in Wellington and how he cameto be The Mad Butcher. Before he started,he told his audience: “I don’t mind tellingya, I’m bloody nervous, mate.”Tony said Sir Peter had them in rapturesas he recalled his days as the Kiwis managerand the “Warriors 19th man”. “There isnothing pretentious about him, he speaksstraight from the heart and tells it like it is,”Tony said.As the patron of Wing 295 at the college,Sir Peter is also a supporter of the Policeand Police Rugby League. As a tokenof appreciation, New Zealand PoliceAssociation President Greg O’Connorpresented Sir Peter with the New ZealandPolice colours that had been flown overParliament building and a letter fromPrime Minister John Key.The next day, Tony said, Greg and SirFrom left, head of NZ Police Rugby League Inspector Gary Allcock, Sir Peter Leitch, NZ Police coachFrank Endacott, Police Association President Greg O’Connor.Detective Vaughan McAllister and Sergeant John Nelson, of the Auckland Metropolitan Police Fenciblesteam, share a moment during the tournament.Peter were back supporting the teamsas they played in near gale force winds.Joining them on the sidelines was the headof New Zealand Police Rugby League,Inspector Gary Allcock, and current NewZealand Police coach Frank Endacott,casting their eyes over potential playersfor the New Zealand Police team that willcompete in the Police Rugby League WorldCup in England next year.Tony said plans were already under wayfor the next sevens tournament next year.“It’s about having fun and participating.Next year we hope to have three gradesrunning: masters, men’s open andwomen’s.”He said the organisers wanted to thankDarryl Bovaird, Bryan Laumatia, MarcusChawner, Sam Bennett and Dy Tahiwifor their help in running the day and PetiKiwha and the catering team at the college.Also, he said “a massive thanks to DetectiveSimon Taylor for travelling to Wellingtonand refereeing the games”.“Police Rugby League would like tothank both the New Zealand Police Councilof Sport and the New Zealand PoliceAssociation for their continuing support.”new zealand police aSSOCIATION november 2012 271