Wargamers steel for medieval battles

The annual Wairarapa Two-Day-Match is a wargaming tournament for Ancient and Medieval miniature armies, hosted by Masterton Marauders club at the Parkvale Deerstalkers' Hall. FILE PHOTO

Thousands of toy soldiers will be in Parkvale today for the start of the annual Wairarapa Two-Day-Match.

The match is a wargaming tournament for Ancient and Medieval miniature armies, hosted by Masterton Marauders club at the Parkvale Deerstalkers' Hall.

Nineteen wargamers from Palmerston North, Wairarapa, the Hutt Valley, Wainuiomata and Wellington are bringing their armies with foot soldiers standing at 28mm tall, and elephants about double that height.

Masterton Marauders club secretary Vince Cholewa said the tournament would be a good opportunity for people to find out more about wargaming as a hobby.

"Wargaming is a fun tactical game," he said.

"It's inspired by history, though not limited by it. It's also a great way to keep in touch with people. I wargame with people that I have known since the 1970s."

Mr Cholewa said the featured armies at the Wairarapa Two-Day-Match would range in age from 13th-century BC Trojans to 15th-century AD War of the Roses Lancastrians.

The second day of the Two-Day-Match will be Saturday, November 28, also at the Parkvale Deerstalkers' Hall.