We played six games in total winning two losing four.
 

Our first game was against a professional side in Canterbury on the South Island. The host team boasting some first grade players from the National Rugby league competition (GB Super league equivalent) in Australia. At half time we were ahead 20-18 but unfortunately ran out losers at 48-22. Chris Holland was magnificent along with Gary Lowe, unfortunately Chris picked up an injury which was to plague him for the rest of the tour.

It was then on up to the Wellington on the North Island and the first of 3 tests matches against the NZ police at their National Training Centre. A very close game (they all were) where literally with the last play of the match NZ snatched a victory 28-26. The lancs players particular;y Gary Lowe and Eugene Swift were outstanding. Swift with a solo try the full length of the field outstripping the NZ defence and gaining the admiration of the substantial crowd..

Then on to Rotaura and a game against local side Bay of Plenty at Waikota park. A hard fought game (there is never anything else in NZ) and our boys came out on top 34-24. Again Swift was magnificent with three tries. Then the second test against NZ Police at the same venue, again the same pattern GB leading until the last quarter and then NZ gaining a victory in the dying part of the game 34-28. Gary Lowe picking up a nasty back injury which was to be the end of his tour.

Then onto Auckland for the final of the three tests. The venue was the Erikkson stadium (home of the Auckland Warriors NRL team, although in NZ they play in the Australian competition). A fantastic venue but not such a fantastic result. GB were without influential skipper Gary Lowe through the back problem. NZ raced into a convincing lead, the GB boys pegged it back somewhat in the second half but it was largely over with by half time. NZ 48-GB 34.

Then onto Singapore for a development game against Singapore select. An easy victory for the boys in this one, with a great deal learned by the Singapore RL. Some great local and Australian press on the development work of our boys.

On the development theme whilst in rotaura did some development work with local schools which got some great press locally and nationally in NZ.

Also on the plane over there we dealt with an air rage incident en-route between Singapore and Christchurch, again much press in GB and NZ. I ended up doing several interviews with TV back home.

Lancashire players in the squad:

PC Gary Lowe central support unit

PC Aidy Harrison central RPU

PC Eugene Swift Eastern

PC Chris Holland Southern support unit

PC Alan Clark Southern support unit

and then me as Voice Chairman.

All our boys performed well in the games and quite rightly can be very proud of their efforts in representing GB and the Constabulary.

Over all a fantastic experience and very very grateful to sponsors for making it happen.

Superintendent Clive Tattum