Sport in South Vietnam DPR/TV/709

When ever operational commitments allow, troops of the Australian Task Force based at Nui Dat, take the opporunity to play whatever sport can be organised. The most recent games to be organised were football matches - an Australian Rules match between members of the 2nd and 7th Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment, and this Rugby Union match between members of 2 RAR and the 161st Reconnaissance Flight. Although it was not possible for a great number of spectators to view the game held at the the Baria Oval eight miles south of the Task Force base, those who were there were certainly enthusiastic. Despite the hot humid conditions the players also exhibited plenty of enthusiasm which in some cases made up for their lack of technical skill. Local children, who soon lost interest in the game, quickly made friends with the spectators. Lack of training had its effect on all players and a few of the more unfortunate were forced to leave the ground with minor injuries. In any event it wasn't long before everyone left the ground with victory finally going to the Reconnaissance flight after a close and hard-fought match. [Identified personnel: Staff Sergeant Joe Christensen, of Arncliffe, NSW; Cpl Kevin Knipe, of Kingaroy, Qld; Pte Norm Todd of Angaston, S.A.; 2nd Lt Tom Guivarra, 161 Independent Unit, of Cairns]