Krystal stands out in NZDF touch tourney

A former Kaitaia College student was named as the outstanding player overall at the annual NZDF Inter-Services Touch tournament in Auckland last month.

Private Krystal Murray played for the NZ Army women's team in the tournament three weeks ago at Whenuapai in Auckland which saw teams representing the army, navy and air force contesting men's, women's and over-30 men's divisions.

She stood out in the side's unbeaten run, including a 3-1 rout of the navy in the final to seal the title. She was given two awards, as the tournament's most promising player overall and most valuable women's player.

The three army teams cleaned up in all three divisions for the first time in the tournament's history, winning all their games en route to the respective titles and securing the Service Trophy for the seventh consecutive year.

Krystal said she was enjoying life in the army, where she's based in Palmerston North.

She qualified after completing an ATC course in Kaitaia which father Chris believed was a good option for many local youth in order to get ahead.

During her spare time, Krystal also played women's rugby for her local rugby club in Linton shortly after her arrival in Palmerston North last winter and drew the attention of the Manawatu selectors.

The former Kaitaia College girls 1st XV player has played for Mangonui women in Northland-wide rugby, and the Northland women's and Northland secondary schoolgirls' rugby sides, as well as representing Mangonui in netball.

Back home for the summer holiday break, she also took part in the Christmas Touch tournament late last month.