The UKAF Women’s team signed off from the inaugural International Defence Force Women’s World Cup with silverware overnight, beating Tonga 44-11 in Auckland.
UKAF earned their place in the Plate final with a comprehensive win over Vanuatu & Papua New Guinea last Wednesday, and they took the momentum from that match into the clash with Tonga, steadily building up a 20-3 lead by half-time.
Sgt Louise Dodd (QARANC), who lined up in the centres as one of 13 Army players in the match day 23, was one of the first half try scorers, and the team went on to consolidate their advantage after the break, too.
Sgt Louise Dodd on the front foot for UKAF in the Plate Final v Tonga
Image – UKAF Rugby © Neil Kennedy
Tonga added a second penalty, but that was a blip in the scoring as UKAF went over for four more tries. Tonga did manage a consolation effort in the final exchanges, but by then the celebrations had started and UKAF had the Plate in their possession, 44-11 the final score.
It was a fitting way for two red shirt stalwarts, Capt Erica Mills (RA) and SSgt Beverley Gilbert (RAMC), to sign off from Services rugby.
Many congratulations to all of the players and coaches who have work the UKAF shirt with pride in New Zealand over the last few weeks.
