Visiting Auckland touch rugby side F-Troop failed to capitalise on their vast experience during the New Zealand Masters Games in Wanganui this week.
The side are a combination of two teams of mates who play regularly in the Auckland touch league and is named after the popular American sitcom of the
same name featuring a band of bumbling mistfits.
F-Troop, however, are far from a band of misfits with several players making the New Zealand touch side in previous years.
Four F-Troopers are over 60. Barry Payne is the oldest at 64 and has played for his country, in addition to making the Parramatta Eels rugby league side in his younger days. Teammate Lionel Caines is also 64, Bruce Gore is 63, while Dave Archibald is 61.
F-Troop made the semifinals of the Masters over-50 touch rugby competition, but were run out of medal contention by a much younger Waikato side yesterday.
"This is our 11th time at the Masters in Wanganui but we alternate each year, going to Dunedin as well," Payne said.
"Its our 21st Games. We've won about six gold, four or five silvers and a few bronzes.
The secret to their longevity is simple.
"The trick is to keep going. If you stop playing it's difficult to get the body back in condition."
A regular diet of beer helps and, while Father Time has several F-Troopers in his sights, there's no sign of retirement just yet.
"The Masters is too much fun."
