The BA (G) Major Units Rugby Union Challenge CUP Final

The British Army Germany Major Units Rugby Union Challenge Cup headed to Alanbrooke Barracks the home of 5 RIFLES yesterday after the Infantrymen won a pulsating final against 26 Regt RA. The RIFLES ceding home advantage to the Gunners found a pumped up crowd of Gunner supporters awaiting them as the game kicked off. 26 Regt RA fresh from a defeat in the Community Cup final on 16 Mar 11 started cagily before releasing their lightening quick backs. RIFLES indiscipline gave them an opportunity for the first points from which the Gunners 10 took what was on offer. 3-0. Indiscipline from the Gunners allowed the RIFLES to level before the Gunners got their noses back in front 6-3. The RA really started to fizz and the signs for the RIFLES looked ominous as the 26 inside backs made space to put their fullback in for a converted score followed closely by a yellow card for the RIFLES centre for a second high tackle. 13-3.
 
A blast from player coach Capt Ian Wilkins saw a more focussed RIFLES forward pack go over for a close range try and an easy punt for the extras. 13-10 There was enough time for the RIFLES to kick one more goal to level the score at the half 13-13.
 
The second half got underway with the RIFLES forwards throwing everything but kitchen sink at the Gunner defence. Poor discipline at the ruck allowed the RIFLES to take the lead for the first time and then extend it as they bundled over for another forwards try 23-13. More RIFLES pressure resulted in a long range shot at goal 26-13.
 
26 Regt RA coach WOI Phil Davies rang the changes and the 26 pack wrestled back the advantage and scored a try wide out but failed to convert 26-18. Ten minutes to go and the tackling was fast and furious. The RIFLES line looked like it was holding strong only to be broken open and twice the pressure on the Gunners forced knock ons inside the RIFLES 22. Camped in the RIFLES 22 the referee lost patience with the RIFLES and awarded a penalty try. The conversion was strangely missed and the referee blew for full time. 26-23.
 
In the plate final 6 Supply Regt RLC over came 2 Med Regt in extra time.