the final of the 1944 freyberg cup was contested in early december in the ruins of the fascist stadium in forlì in italy. a tense game was played between the 22nd battalion team and the 2nd new zealand division ammunition company. the match was vigorous, the ground conditions atrocious and the day bitingly cold. it was a tough contest with little opportunity for the backs to shine. bevan displayed good form and threw a pass to his captain, lin thomas, who kicked the dropped goal from the only dry spot on the ground and won the game for the 22nd battalion, 4–0.