“The Game That Never Was”
Anzac International Lacrosse Tournament to be held in Auckland to mark Centenary
The centenary of World War One this year not only marks a significant anniversary of world war history, but also of the history of Lacrosse in both Australia and New Zealand.
In September 1914, New South Wales was set to travel and play New Zealand as a touring team, yet due to the commencement of the war, this game was abandoned. Men’s Lacrosse never recovered in New Zealand and was not played again until it was re-established in 2000.
This ANZAC day, Australia will send women and men’s teams to New Zealand and play commemorative games to mark the milestone of 100 years, at College Rifles in Remuera Auckland.
College Rifles was established in 1897 and is itself named after a military unit, many of whose members fought in the Great War. The Australia and New Zealand Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse teams will be joining the College Rifles Anzac Parade and both rugby and lacrosse will be played over the weekend.
“This is much more than a game of Lacrosse. It is, above all, an ANZAC moment, when we turn our thoughts to the sacrifices of the countless men and women who set aside their normal lives and came together to fight for a greater good. We are privileged to be able to play this special game of Lacrosse in their memory.”
Playing schedule
Australia Women V New Zealand Women 12.00 PM 25th April
Australia Men V New Zealand Men 2.15 PM 25th April
Australia Women V New Zealand Women’s under 23 11.00 AM 26th April
Australia Men V New Zealand Men 1.00 PM 26th April
Australia Women V New Zealand Women’s under 19 3.00 PM 26th April
Venue: College Rifles, 33 Haast Street, Remuera, Auckland
For more information contact David Zussman at zussmanite@xtra.co.nz
or 027 3490461