HMAS Waterhen scores a hattrick

12 February 2010

The hard-tackling sailors from HMAS Waterhen wrote themselves into Navy rugby league history by winning the Patron’s Cup for the third time in succession on 9 February 2010.

Waterhen edged the gallant sailors from Fleet Support Unit-‘A’ 8-4 in a thrilling final to win the Patron’s Cup rugby league competition which was played at Sydney’s Randwick Barracks.

The heroes of Waterhen’s victory were Leading Seaman Physical Trainer (LSPT) James ‘Dusty’ Miller, who scored a spectacular try from a ‘bomb’, and Able Seaman (AB) Luke Palethorpe, who posted the match winner in the dying minutes. AB Palthorpe said ‘lady luck’ smiled on him when he found himself ‘floating’ on the wing with a clear run to the try line.

”It was a really hard match blessed with one magic moment when I scored near the corner-post without a hand being laid on me,” he said with a chuckle.

The victory marked a welcome and triumphant return to the playing field for LSPT Miller, who was hospitalised after running into the goal-post at last year’s Patron’s Cup.

“The spectators said it was a great feat to catch such a towering ‘bomb’ and dive over the try-line but I’d rather give credit to the kicker,” he said.

Waterhen’s third successive victory in this prestigious Navy sports competition marks the dawn of a new dynasty in RAN rugby league.

Full imagery from the day is available at the Navy's official image gallery