The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards based in Fallingbostal Germany lifted the Army Inter Unit 7s Cup after 39 hard fought pulsating games of sevens, beating last years winners 17 Port & Maritime in a titanic final, flying Army winger LCpl Semesa Rokoduguni ran the show for the winners and his electric pace had some of the Army’s fastest unable to match his burst from a standing start.

The day had started at 1000hrs sharp for the mens competition with four pools of four, seeded teams included 5 Rifles and the Scots Dragoon Guards who had qualified having been the finalists of the British Army (Germany) competition the previous week and the 2 Bn The Royal Welsh who were the Army Cup runners up. Army premiership side 39 Engineer Regiment also arrived with 3 current Army fifteens players: Wessels, Seru and Nacamavuto giving intent that they weren’t just there to make the numbers up. It was great to see the likes of 1 Bn R Irish, SEAE, 3 Regt AAC and ART Pirbright committing to the day and playing attractive sevens rugby.

The Womens Corps teams were represented by the Gunners, AGC, REME and a combined Corps ‘Barbarian’ team. After a league play off the Gunners and REME met in the final; it was the Gunners power that over came the REME skill and the Artillery ladies took the title.

After 3 pool matches of the mens competition 17 Port, 5 Rifles, 39 Engrs and SDG were top of the pile of their relevant leagues. 2 Scots, 2 R Welsh, 3 Regt AAC and SEAE were their opposition in the quarter finals. The match of the day had to be the quarter final between SEAE from Bordon v the SDG, after 14 minutes of sevens the game was tied at 21 a piece, the tankies from Germany managed to squeeze over and clinch the game in stoppage time but the REME team had pushed them to the very limit.

The semis pitched 17 Port and Maritime against 2 Bn R Welsh in a repeat of the Army Premiership Cup final, the maritime loggies pushed the boat out and battled past the ‘Welsh Warriors’, the SDG’s pushed the Engineers aside with blistering pace, the final was set to be a cracker.
Before that the plate final was contested by 2 PWRR and 1 Bn R Irish, it was the Irish that jinked their way past the bigger opposition to top off a great day for them and lift the plate.

7 hours after the first game had kicked off last years reigning champions; 17 Port and Maritime faced up against the Germany winners the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, skill and flare was abundant from both teams, this was indeed sevens rugby at its very best, both teams crossed the line in the opening half and as they changed ends it was anyone’s game, the SGD’s pace in the end won the game and they lifted the trophy for the first time.

The community sevens had been an outstanding success, 250 players, and 20 officials had turned up to compete; all watched by the Army sevens coaching and management team who were there to watch the ‘known’ and spot the ‘unknown’ talent.

The focus now switches to the Army sevens playing in the summer UK 7s competition, first up is the London 7s at Richmond RFC on Saturday 26 May followed by the Bournemouth festival over the weekend 2 – 3 June, come and support the REDS this summer, for more information please visit the Army 7s page.

Kneller Hall

The wet weather decided to play its part in this fixture and it meant that both sides had to modify their play to suit the conditions, although from the start it could be seen that the Navy Mariners with the their big pack wanted a more forward dominated game. Early play saw both sets of forwards bashing away at each other with the referee playing a major part in the stop start nature of the game. The penalty count mounted quickly against the Masters and early in the game WO2 Neil Griffiths found himself in the bin for 10 minutes. From the resulting penalty the Mariners got a chance to take an early led, they missed that one but shortly got another chance and took that opportunity for the first points of the match 0-3. The Masters came back with some great yards made by Cpl Bruno Green and LCpl Epi Qolikibua, the Mariners scramble defence worked hard to keep the Masters out. Cpl Lee Davies then went on a strong run cutting through a couple of defenders before he was brought down just short. The Masters attacked once again and this time there was no stopping Green who followed up a kick and chase for the Masters first try 5-3, WO2 Calvin Venn had to take the conversion, which was missed as the normal kicker Davies had to leave the field with a knee injury. SSgt Errol Jones came on with Epi Qolikibua going to the centre from the wing. The Masters continued to look dangerous when the ball was moved out wide but the conditions and the wet ball frustrated their offensive play. Half time and the message from the coaching staff was to keep patient and work through the phases. The second half started with Mariners still in the game and looking to get their big pack moving forward. The Masters rang the changes with Cpl Lala Lalauvaki and Venn being replaced by SSgt Bongo Davies and Sgt Rob Smart at 9 and 10. The Mariners forwards drove a strong rolling maul into the 22 and the Masters were penalised for bringing it down which allowed the Mariners the lead 6-5. Griffiths had to leave the field for a short time with a blood injury and was substituted by Cpl Raks Rakaubu. The Masters lifted their game and drove into the Mariners half with WO2 Darrel Cooper and Green again making good ground, the referee showed a yellow card to the Mariners second row for taking a player out off the ball. Smart steps up for the penalty and the kick hit the post with the Masters following up and managing to secure the ball and the crucial put in at the scrum. The Masters pack anchored by props Maj Ewen Carmon and WO2 Mark Eastley drove the Mariners back and Griffiths was on hand to go over for another Masters try, Smart kicked the conversion for a 12-6 led. The Masters now had their tails up and despite losing a couple of players to injury continued to be the side looking to run the ball when they could and despite having to move SSgt Dave Goddard to full back to cover the growing injury list still looked the more likely to score again. A second yellow for the Mariners did not help their tiring defence and the ever alert Goddard took an opportunity from a quickly taken free kick to waltz around the Marnier’s defence for another try, Smart kicked the extras for 19-6 score line. The Marnier’s went looking for a consolation try but the Masters defence was organised and stayed strong with Lt Col Simon Orr now on for Cameron and WO1 Shaun Collins on for Eastley putting in big hits knocking the Mariners back. Masters captain SSgt Gary Windle and second row forwards Maj Andy Davie and Capt Mike Thomas continued to put themselves about the park doing the hard graft up front. The last play of the game found the Mariners kicking the ball into touch to finish the game and the trophies were on their way back to Aldershot where they belong. LCpl Epi Qolikibua is awarded the Man of the Match, with WO2 Mark Eastley collecting the Player of the Season.

Head Coach SSgt Tiny Baker commented after the game:

“The conditions didn’t allow for the more open game that we had hoped and planned for, add to that the usual doggedness of the Mariners meant that it took us a while to get into our stride. Adapting our game plan to suit meant that using our defence, which again was on form, to keep pressure on the Navy that forced them to make mistakes which we obviously used to our benefit.

This season our squad set up has been crucial to our success and has given myself and the other coaches quite a few selection dilemmas. Our strength in areas looks promising for next season and leading into our defence of the World Championship in Turin .

I would like to thank the players, coaches, medical staff and management who to a man and woman have committed time and effort in making this another successful season in retaining the Inter Services Trophy.”

Match report by WO2 Jim Evans

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For once the weather was not on the side of the spectators; the wettest week in a few years had disrupted both sides’ preparations; however a healthy crowd of over 4000 turned out at Kneller Hall to watch the Master and Womens games which have become the annual battles for bragging rights between the teams.

The Army Women have been undefeated since the women’s competition has started, the Army women’s backs were as sharp as always however the Navy’s scrum started off the dominant force pushing the red eight back on several occasions in the opening exchanges. This had the desired effect to focus the REDs and they ran in several well worked trys to eventually run out comfortable winners 46 – 5.

The Master v Ancient Mariners game was billed to be the toughest of the day, the Navy had a strong set of forwards and the Army Masters new they were in for a battle. Such was the case, after 60 minutes the Navy mariners held a slender 6 – 5 lead; time for Army skipper SSgt Garry Windle RE to issue the rallying call, with pomp and circumstance the REDS responded, two well worked tries had them run out winners 19 – 6 after a tough and bruising encounter.

Attention switched to Twickenham stadium, the Military wives choir entertained the record 65,302 crowd prior to kick off before head coach Andy Sanger’s cohorts stepped up to the plate. The weather demanded a slow forward dominated match, nobody had told the teams that, the first 15 minutes were as bruising as an Inter Service match but just as he had done against the RAF, LCpl Semesa Rokoduguni, QDG displayed the sort of pace that has more than one professional team looking for his talents. His first two tries were a mixture of raw pace and brutal strength and after Cpl Ceri Cummings REME had exchanged penalties the Army went into the half time break 19 -6 up.

The Navy as you would expect came out at the start of the second half like a heavy battleship blasting its 12 inch guns into the enemy, they were looking to decrease the lead, five metres out Capt Mark Lee ALS turned the ball over, and the ball was shipped sharply through eight sets of wet and slippery hands before LBdr Sam Speight RA outpaced a tired Navy defence to run in from 40 metres.

The REDs turned the screw, skipper Sgt Darrell Ball RE crossed after a powerful scrum, Rokoduguni scored his well deserved hat trick after fly half Pte Jack Prasad 1 Scots looked to repeat his solo try from 12 months past and it left replacement Capt Dave Duffas to fly over for the last score, a well deserved and convincing victory 48 – 9.

Note to self next years game is Saturday 27 April 2013 at Twickenham.

Army 48 pts — Navy 9

At Twickenham on 28 April the Army beat the Navy 48 pts—9 to retain the BABCOCK Trophy and be crowned 2012 Inter Service Champions.

The Army Reds came together in waves—the sort that swamped the Navy. Wave upon wave broke on the Blue defence as the Army steadily accrued 48 points to provide a fitting climax to what must, ever, be the Reds’ most successful season.

Yes—it rained but the tempo of the Army attacks remained undiminished for 80 minutes. The Navy put up an early fight but frequently it too was literal. Attempts at fisticuffs were utterly counterproductive against this Army pack. It was a futile strategy and only fatigue, an alert referee and the boot of Ceri Cummings forced a change of heart.

Despite the persistent rain the Army ran the ball oblivious to the idea that it might be slippery. The first phase aim was individual and collective subjugation of the Navy forwards and then, and only then, to free the backs for a measure of self expression.

The first scrum provided early evidence that the Navy needed a couple of Babcock tugs to bring them back on station. From that point it was one-way traffic.

The Army line out was also masterful. Skipper Darrell Ball mentally and physically ruled the skies and Dave Bates, again having his best game in an Army shirt, allowed the changes to be rung.

With three tries Semesa Rokoduguni was the star of the show –as it was meant to be! In ‘Roko’ and Sam Speight, on the opposite wing, the Army had Premiership class strike power –a flexible combination of strength and elusive speed.

Roko pranced and surged whilst Speight’s control of speed and twist in close contact had the Blues’ defence in all sorts of ‘inside outs’. He will remember his first try at Twickenham. Missed tackles by the Navy were not so much sloppy as a reflection of the team dynamics of the Army attacks.

Between the attacking forces of the backs and forwards Tom Chennell and Fiji international Jack Prasad were cannily matched. Chennell with an uncomplicated service provided space for the mercurial Prasad to weave patterns through the Blues defence. He is the catalyst for team attack and a focus for the Army support which arrived by the bus load. Mark Lee at No7, playing his final game for the Army, led the back row into the thick of the recycling action and he will be missed.

Darrell Ball grabbed a try as did Dave Duffus who most frequently comes off the bench to make the difference. Cummings kicked eighteen points whilst Navy skipper Dave Pascoe replied with three penalties for the Navy.

The Navy were unfortunate to meet the best Army team in terms of ability and preparation seen since the days of national service—beyond which the memory has more collapsed than faded ! Scrum half Dave Pascoe was brave and rallied his troops against the odds. Marsh Cormack, a large and highly effective lock made his presence felt and it is difficult to understand why Ian Cooper warmed the bench at kick off. He is good with the ball and eats up ground.

For the Army individuals who came of age over the season, including Auckland, sealed their corporate identity at Twickenham. This Reds team certainly has further to go.

Coach Andy Sanger said he was proud of the way the players ignored the conditions and hunted down the try line. “I know the players would have preferred dry conditions to play a quicker game, and in real terms, continuity was difficult. Our forwards and backs mastered the difficulties and there are good points that came out of this match which are in the cupboard for next season”.

Semesa Rokoduguni was awarded the BABCOCK Man of the Match trophy.

]]> http://www.armyrugbyunion.org.uk/army-v-navy-2012/feed 0 http://www.armyrugbyunion.org.uk/army-v-navy-team-announcement http://www.armyrugbyunion.org.uk/army-v-navy-team-announcement#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:19:44 +0000 admin http://www.armyrugbyunion.org.uk/?p=4758 ARMY SENIOR XV V NAVY 28 APRIL 12

Head Coach Andy Sanger is pleased to announce the following selection to face the Royal Navy on Saturday 28 April at Twickenham.

He commented,

‘I would personally like to congratulate all 22 players on making the match day squad. In what has been a highly successful season for the Army Senior XV the process for selection has been extremely difficult and all selected thoroughly deserve their place. Those selected have been pushed all the way by the other squad members who have unfortunately not been chosen. Without the contribution of the other squad members pushing those selected then we would not be as prepared as we are.

I would also like to thank all the coaching and management staff for the support given to myself and the players during the season. A tremendous amount of effort and commitment has been shown by all squad members and will hopefully reap rewards on Saturday with the lifting of the Inter Services trophy.

This has all been made possible of course by the support of Commanding Officers, and units to all personnel within the squad, during this period of high operational tempo this commitment is even more valued.’

The season since the Christmas break for the Army Masters had been a story of up’s and down’s, but back to back wins against Forth Valley Fossils during the Scotland training Camp and Richmond Heavies in Aldershot had helped steady the ship for Masters Head Coach SSgt Tiny Baker. However the earlier results in the season had left him with some selection headaches choosing the starting XV for this first game of the Inter Services Competition. No problems with selecting the team Captain for the tournament with SSgt Gary Windle once again leading the Masters out for the Inter Services Competition.

Straight from the kick off SSgt Dave Goddard showed he was up for the challenge with a couple of good carries at the Vultures defence. Not to be out done Cpl Atunaisa Lalauvaki playing at scum half also tested his Vultures opposite number with a little sniping run around the fringe of a scrum, the tackler did not release at the tackle area and the Army had a early penalty. Fly half WO2 Calvin Venn stepped up to take the kick which hit the post and came down in front of the Vultures defence, good chasing up meant the Masters secured the ball with Goddard going for the line but being held up just short, the ball was recycled quickly and lock Maj Andy Davie fed Cpl Lee Davies in the corner for the first try of the game 5-0 to the Masters, with the conversion missed.

The Vultures now attacked and earned a penalty after the Masters were deemed offside at the break-down, the kick was missed. The Vultures continued to press and the penalty count was mounting against the Masters with the Referee keeping them on the back foot rather than the Vultures attacking game, however a good move by the Vultures in the backs created an overlap and the Vultures from nowhere scored a try in the corner, the extras were missed so after 15 minutes the score was level at 5-5. This was the wakeup call the Masters needed and from the restart the ball was secured by some good work from Davie and WO2 Neil Griffiths doing the hard work at the break-down to secure those 50-50 balls in the tackle area.

The Vultures for once were penalised but the penalty was missed. Venn had to leave the field with a rib injury and was replaced by Sgt Rob Smart. The Masters attacked again and some good handling let Davies receive a crash ball in the centre of the park and the Vultures defenders were unable to bring him down and he crashed over for a superb try. Smart kicked the conversion for the Masters to put them again in charge for a 12-5 score line. The Masters once again went looking for another score and rather than take the points opted for a lineout five metres out.

The Vultures managed to get a hand on the ball and spoil the line-out and clear up field. The Masters continued to attract penalties from the referee but good defence from Capt Camie Hastie and the ever busy Masters Captain Windle stopped the Vultures from building momentum. The Scrum was an area being dominated by the Masters pack with SSgt Mark Eastley and fellow prop Maj Ewen Cameron taking their opposite numbers to the cleaners. However the penalty count is reaching epic proportions and the Vultures took one of these chances to add to their score 12-8. Nearing half time the Army still had some time for another attack with a great kick and chase by Maj Dom Hayakawa playing on the wing just failing to collect his kick after a 60 metre break.

Half time and the coaches have strong words for the squad about the penalty count which is allowing Vultures to stay in the game. Some changes in the backs with the injured full back WO2 Mark Kane coming off the park and being replaced from the wing by Sgt Nabs Nabakeke with SSgt Errol Jones now replacing Nabakeke on the wing.

Back on the pitch after the restart and Jones was straight into action just failing to collect a clever cross fielded kick from the gifted Smart who was starting to show his class at fly half. The Vultures cleared but the Masters had a couple of good moves first by WO2 Darrell Cooper and then by Jones who had a long strong run with his pass inside being dropped with the line begging. From the ensuing breakdown Goddard was penalised and shown a yellow card which also allowed the Vultures to clear their line. They now had an opportunity to make the one man extra pay and put some pressure on the Army line, another penalty allowed them to add to their score 12-11. This woke the Masters up and after some good drives by the forwards they then had a penalty which Smart put just wide. Lalauvaki was replaced at scrum half by SSgt Bongo Davies. This period of the game was now stop start with neither side able to string a decent passage of play together. No sooner was Goddard back on the pitch then the Referee sends a Vulture player to the bin. The Army were pushing for that next crucial score and the Vultures who were starting to tire now made lots of changes from their bench. Davies at centre was still making good yards with the Vultures defence struggling to bring him down and it was only good play by the Vultures back row forwards that were keeping them in the game. The Masters came back and after some great interchange play between Windle and Bongo Davies the scrum half went over for that all important score. The conversion was missed to make the score 17-11. Time for the Masters to make a change and on comes Masters legend Lt Col Simon Orr for his 17th cap replacing Cameron in the front row. The penalty count by both sides was still high, but it was the Masters who had the more structured game. In the back row the hard working Griffiths was replaced by Cpl Raks Rakabu who got straight into the action with some good carries. A penalty 45 metres out to the Masters allowed Smart to atone for his earlier miss and put the Masters two scores in front 20-11. It was the Masters defence that was now showing its steel with the Vultures always being forced on the back- foot by the first up tackles and try as they might they could not find a way through the Masters defence. The referee brought the game to an end, it was a rough diamond of a performance by the Masters just doing enough when it mattered during a game that really should had been over by half time. Masters Captain SSgt Garry Windle was once again selected as Man of the Match.

Army Masters Head coach SSgt Tiny Baker commented after the game:

“Scoring early for us was a double edge sword! It gave us the advantage but then we weren’t ruthless enough and didn’t stick to our game plan. We made it hard for ourselves, something we cannot do against the Navy Mariners.”

Report by WO2 Jim Evans

The Army won this first encounter of the 2012 BABCOCK Inter Service Championship by a clear 59pts-nil. The Royal Air Force put in a brave and, in parts, skilful performance, and must be considered unlucky to lose by such a wide margin. Maybe local knowledge and the ability to fly off grass runways was a bonus.

The Army scored steadily in the first quarter and only unforced errors prevented the match being sewn up well before half time.

The RAF pack was, in the presence of many of their former internationals, very competitive. It certainly gave nothing away in the tight or the line out. Sadly for all the graft up front they lacked penetration and with Mark Lee and Joe Kava in bristling mood they found it almost impossible to gain meaningful penetration.

For the Army it was, therefore, just a matter of numbers and time.

Mark Lee opens the account

Lee opened the scoring, firstly putting the defence in a froth and then seizing the loose ball to dive over the ruck. Mattie Dwyer thundered in for the second whilst winger Semesa Rokoduguni bagged a brace inside ten minutes. His first was a magnificent stretch through four defenders. Full back Ceri Cummings converted three of the tries for a 26 pts-nil lead at half time.

Coach Andy Sanger seldom reveals what is said at the interval but this time it had a calming influence. The Army picked up an uncluttered attack rhythm. Jack Prasad danced and ducked through the first line of defence to find the Red hoards at his side offering untold options.

Army Ten flying in formation

It was attack on a grand scale with the whole Army team flying in close formation. Rokoduguni landed another couple whilst the ever present Gerhard Wessels also scored two. Ben Seru crossed for the final try with a magnificent burst of raw speed.

In the second half Cummings converted four out of five attempts—excellent stuff.

The pack had, with a mounting score and increasing confidence settled into the roles of provider / supporter. The front row was solid against a strong Air Force trio with Kenny Dowding performing well at loose head prop.

Dave Bates takes the hits

Also having his best game in a Reds’ shirt lock Dave Bates was noticeable in the loose. He frequently took the first few hits from the defence and with Paul Llewellyn, a hulk of a No6, invariably on hand the forwards completed off-loads normally reserved for the training park

Coach Capt Andy Sanger reflected ”I am proud of how the boys tackled what could have been a tricky encounter. The RAF were well prepared and we started slowly but gradually skipper Darrell Ball led the boys to play some free flowing rugby. We intended to run the ball away from the Air Force’s heavies—and it worked. I was very pleased that the RAF did not cross our line– nor did we give away kickable penalties”

The squad under the stewardship of head coach SSgt Tiny Baker and backs coach SSgt Taff Reed started the camp with a tough training session at Dreghorn Barracks on the Thursday afternoon to get the journey out of the legs, the coaches running through some of the areas in defence and attack that needed working on after our last two games had ended in defeat. The last game being a heavy defeat to a Kew Occasional side at Richmond has still left a mark on the squad as one of the biggest defeats the Army Masters have ever suffered. So there is a still lot to consider for the coaching staff and players to work on with the starting 15 berths against the RAF Vultures still up for grabs for those who really want it.

It’s not all about the Rugby and after a visit to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle early on the Friday morning the squad visited the Royal British Legion poppy making factory on Warriston Road in Edinburgh.

Founded by Field Marshal Earl Haig to provide practical support to ex-Servicemen, and their families following the First World War, he started a number of ex-Service organisations, including The Earl Haig Fund for Scotland. In 1926 his wife Lady Haig established Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Scotland which consisted of two men making poppies using paper and scissors. However, demand for poppies and for employment for disabled ex-Servicemen has grown over the years and the factory we visited now makes poppies throughout the year and it was great privilege for the squad to meet the ex servicemen now working at the factory and get a insight into how the wreaths and poppies are manufactured.

Most of the squad also got a chance to put some poppies together and the general consensus from the experts was for them not to give up their day jobs. Both the squad and the workers in the factory enjoyed the visit with many of the squad when finding out where the ex-serviceman had served, sharing stories of people and places both known and visited and that military common bond was shared with lots of old tales and experiences being remembered.

Our thanks go to all the staff at the factory who made it such any interesting visit and also to the Royal British Legion for the generous sponsorship of the Army Masters once again this year, and the emblem of the poppy is worn by all members of the squad and management on our Masters kit with a huge amount of pride.

The Friday afternoon found the squad once again back on the training pitch in Dreghorn Barracks under the grey clouds of a wet and cold Scottish afternoon putting in them hard hours of work to ensure the Inter Services Cup is retained once again this year.

Army Masters vs. Forth Valley Fossils

Boroughmuir Rugby Club

Saturday 17 March 2012

It was with some relief that the weather had improved on the Saturday morning when we found ourselves at the well appointed sports complex at Boroughmuir Rugby Club for a fixture against the Forth Valley Fossils a veteran’s side that is made up of players who have played at a very high level in the Scottish leagues.

A morning kick off had to be called as the Boroughmuir 1st team had a league fixture in the afternoon on the main pitch. The Fossils kicked off and from the start obliviously wanted to test our defence mettle with a series of drives into the Masters 22 however good defence work at the breakdown led to a turnover which allowed the Masters to clear. Its was now the Masters turn to test the Fossils defence with SSgt Dave Goddard looking for work and making good yards testing the opposition defence and it was from one of these runs that Goddard was able to release SSgt Errol Jones who beat the defence to score in the corner for the first try of the match.

Sgt Rob Smart made a very good conversion from a difficult angle to put the Masters in the box seat 7-0. From the restart the Fossils make the most of some handling errors by the Masters to get it the Masters 22, however some over eagerness by the Fossils leads to a penalty which allows the Masters to clear the line.

A great turnover by WO2 Neil Griffiths and more good work from the every busy Goddard allows space for Cpl Nabs Nabakeke to show his speed and go over for a try under the posts. Smart kicks the extras 14-0 for the Masters. The scrum is an area were a experienced Fossils front row are challenging hard but this is matched by Maj Ewen Cameron and WO1 Shaun Collins and even when the Fossils secure possession they are going backwards, there is then a mix up between the Fossils number 8 and 9 and Cpl Atunsia Lalauvaki needs no second invitation to scoop up the ball and go in for a score which Smart then adds the conversion to make the score 21-0 after 30mins of play.

The Fossils are stung into action and again put pressure on the Army line but the defence is strong and the hours on the training pitch are now paying dividends with the defence line being well organised. WO2 Darrell Cooper then turns defence into attack with a nice break linking up with Smart to go about 60 yards up the pitch, scramble defence by the Fossils slows the ball, but just as it is coming out again the Referee has to stop the game as Masters open side flanker Capt Cam Hastie has an injury which caused those close by some concern (Later diagnosed as cracked ribs). He is replaced by LCpl Rack Rakabu in the back row. From the restart scrum Masters attack again with Jones running strong and hard and the Fossils having to use 2-3 defenders to bring him down. The Masters sniff a score but the Fossils defence hold firm this time and they mange to clear the line.

Big first up tackles from both sides keep Russ Booth and Sgt John Santos busy patching up players from both sides. A good solid scrum by the Masters allows the backs to do a planned move from the training ground which lets Jones in for his second try; Smart still has his kicking boots on for a 28-0 lead just before half time. Still time though for the Fossils again to threaten the Masters try line but some great turnover work by the forwards allows the Masters to steal the ball and clear. Half time and so a few changes with Lalauvaki being replaced by SSgt Bongo Davies at scrum half. Message from the coaching staff and skipper SSgt Gary Windle is to keep the tempo up and keep going through the phases and never give the Fossils a sniff of a try. Straight from the restart the Masters get into the Fossils 22 the referee awards a penalty for handling on the ground, quick thinking and hands by Goddard allows him to pass to Copper who goes over for a score. Smart makes the kick 35-0.

The Fossils come back and again threaten the Army line but not even a cameo appearance by Lt Col Simon Orr Director of Masters Rugby for the Fossils at front row can stop the Masters from breaking from deep with the classy Cooper and Smart doing good work allowing Jones to go over once again with Smart adding the extras 42-0. Its time for some changes with SSgt Mark Eastley and SSgt Seiriol Hughes replacing Cameron and Collins in the front row and Maj Jamie O’Mara on for Capt Dave Thomas in the second row. Fossils still working hard for a score and also making full use of their bench but the Masters first up tackles are making it hard for the opposition to get that score. Good carries from Hughes and then Eastley who scores a classic front row try crashing over from about ten yards out with defenders being brushed aside.

Smart shows he is human and puts one wide 47-0. Maj Tom Wood is on for the ever busy Masters skipper Windle at hooker who has had a big game leading from the front throughout the fixture. Still time for the Masters to go looking for another try with the forwards all now getting a chance to carry against a tiring Fossils pack, once again good drives and rucking by Eastley and Maj Andy Davie who’s pass to Jones then allows him to go over again for a try. Jones always seems to be on hand to finish and this is his forth try of the game, like a fine wine he is just getting better with age. A final score of 52-0 reflects the dominance of the Masters but fair play to the Fossils who never made it easy for the Masters particularly up front.

A nice touch after the game was made by the Forth Valley Fossils who donated their match subs to the Royal British Legion and have promised to put up a stronger side next season if required to do so, showing Scottish Rugby still has lots of heart.

Well done to WO2 Mark Kane for all his hard work both on and of the park in organising the training camp. We now look forward to the next and last game before the Inter Services against Richmond Heavies on Friday evening 30 March 12 in Aldershot.

Army Masters head coach SSgt “Tiny” Baker commented after the game:

“A successful training camp on the whole with a good couple of days training culminating in the match against ‘The Fossils’ on the Saturday. Although they (The Fossils) were not the opposition we expected it did enable us to see our players working in different combinations and adapting the game plan to suit the conditions.’

Report by WO 2 Jim Evans