The PTA Transit Guards have scraped through to victory in Sunday’s Police Legacy 10s tournament winning by a bonus point.
Hosted by Wanneroo Rugby Club in Kingsway the tournament went down to the wire with all sides having a legitimate chance at winning the title going into the final round.
However, some slick passing and enterprising play from the Transit Guards took them a step ahead of the competition, winning three out of their four games and scoring a total of 100 points throughout the tournament.
WAPOL Wasps Captain and fly-half, Madi McGregor, was player of the tournament notching six votes from the referees directing his team into third place.
The Police were edged out of second place only on points difference by the Australian Army team who were making their tournament debut.
The tournament showcased a number of attractions from the emergency services and defence forces including police rescue vehicles, fire trucks, a showcase from the Australian army as well as a visit from members from the WA Police Canine Section which were all big hits with the younger spectators in attendance.
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Through the success of this year’s tournament organiser Ciaran Cleary from WA Police is confident that the continued growth of the tournament will lead it to be one of the marquee events on the WA rugby calendar.
“I’m delighted with the success of the event last Sunday,” Cleary said. Last year was our first attempt at running the event and in the space of 12 months the tournament has already grown significantly.
“This was the first time the Army have competed and having that one extra team really made things interesting on the rugby field.”
“Normally the only time these agencies get to interact is at serious and critical incidents in a professional capacity.”
“This event allows our first responders and defence forces a chance to interact socially through the great game of rugby union while also raising some funds for a very deserving charity, Police Legacy.”
“I really want to thank everyone at Wanneroo Rugby Club and their President Stu Verden for being such accommodating & welcoming hosts.”
“Finally, I must thank Deputy Commissioner Gary Dreibergs APM for his ongoing support of the tournament, his work behind the scenes and organising parts of the day has been invaluable to us.”
“Having his support and that of his counterparts within the other agencies has been crucial in getting this off the ground.”
In addition to the five teams competing, the DFES Fireys submitted a Women’s team into the tournament.
The side played an exhibition match against a Rugby WA Community/Wanneroo invitational touch side marking the first time the tournament has had female participation with big plans to expand in this area.
“It was great to have the female DFES side come down for a run against both Rugby WA staff and Wanneroo players,” Cleary said.
“We are looking to expand the competition next year and have women’s sides from all the agencies take part. Currently we have players from WAPOL, DFES, Army, Navy, Transit Guards and Border Force taking part.
“Next year we are hoping St. Johns Ambulance and Corrective Services will formally join the tournament expanding it even more.”
“We are seeing a definite increase in interest in the tournament, we can definitely achieve big things going forward.”
Feedback from both players and organisers was very positive. All spoke highly of the tournament and how it has built on the success of last year’s inaugural event.
