Falcons Fly High

Our parliamentary side are at it, our armed forces, the All Blacks and even our very own New Zealand Falcons - winning rugby tournaments, that is.

The New Zealand Falcons, who only formed two years ago, claimed the trans-Tasman gay rugby championship, the Purchas Cup after beating the Melbourne Chargers 20 points to 8 in the decider at Western Springs last month.

A last minute loss to the Sydney Convicts earlier in the day meant the Falcons had to beat the Chargers convincingly to claim the triangle tournament title, something they managed with reasonable ease in the end, thanks to some solid defence and a 10 points to nil half time lead.

After scoring a try and a penalty soon after the break the Chargers narrowed the gap to just two points before a kick return earned the kiwis another five-pointer. Another late try guaranteed the victory and the silverware for the Falcons.

A little home crowd support and chants of “Falcons, Falcons” would have no doubt had something to do with the victory too.

Tournament organiser Andrew Purchas said he was delighted the Falcons have become such strong competition in such a short time.

“The Chargers put everything on the field... but the very worthy winners were the New Zealand Falcons, fantastic team, wonderful to see a new club actually winning this trophy. Great to see you guys so strong, great to see the competition so strong.”

A victory haka then ensued as Falcon’s skipper Jeremy Brankin praised all of those involved, “Awesome rugby today, good physical rugby.”

“I am extremely proud to be your captain... you just played your hearts out.”

The victory proved that no matter what background you come from, rugby is very much a part of the Kiwi fabric. The Sydney Convicts are considered the team to beat in gay rugby after they claimed the Bingham Cup, the gay equivalent to the Rugby World Cup last year.

A tournament and cup the Falcons will now look to add their name to later this year in Nashville. (GEORGE BERRY)

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