Army Men’s Head Coach, Lt Col Tim Osman praised the backing his squad received after they completed an Inter-Services Championship win with a 45-21 success against the RAF.
Captain Bdr Pete Austin (RA) put the Red Shirts in front before the hosts hit back, Cpl Jordan Oatley adding to a Cpl Will Lamont try.
The Army, though, led at the break as Bdr Owain Davies (RA) was on target following a super try from LCpl Solodrau Radianirova (REME).
They moved further in front as Lt Al Gliksten (RA) sniped under the posts for Davies to convert, but the Air Force again rallied, however, Oatley slotting the extras following a try from Cpl Josh McNally.
However, four tries in less than 10 third-quarter minutes proved decisive for the visitors, a penalty try followed by scores from Rfn Imi Qorowale (2 Rifles), Sgt Matt Dawson (Int Corps) and Cpl Ifereimi Bolodau (RA) put the game to bed, Davies with another conversion and Capt Matt Smart (1 R Yorks) with a conversion apiece.
Cpl Zach Taylor grabbed a third try for the RAF, Cpl Ryan Pugh converting, but it was merely a consolation as the Army regained the IS crown.
Head coach Tim revealed: “I’m delighted with the result. The boys have worked very, very hard throughout the season and have now got their rewards – it’s great to get some silverware.
“It’s very satisfying and the result of the best part of six months work. A lot of the boys and I haven’t been doing too much of the day job and I must thank the Army for truly supporting everything we do – we’re so grateful and it’s nice to have a result to show for it.
“Ultimately you play competitions to win, and to do it with a bit of style and some good performances is pleasing.”
LCpl Solodrau Radianirova’s centre partnership with Lt Frank Kelly was key to the Army’s success at Kingsholm.
He continued: “In a funny sort of way, I was maybe a bit grumpier this half-time than a week ago, but the boys definitely responded.
“In the first half we were trying to force it and there’s frustration when it’s not quite there.
“We pressed on them to just look after the ball a bit longer, and then we’d find edges and holes. When we do that and the off-loading game comes together in the right places, it’s great.
“The RAF made it very hard for us, their defence was strong and they had a good kicking game to put us under pressure, but we had a purple patch in the third quarter and a bit like last week, the depth of the squad pulled us through. We got there in the end.”
The Army went into the contest knowing victory would seal the deal following their incredible comeback 43-42 success against the Royal Navy seven days earlier, although Tim admitted the win caused problems of its own.
He explained: “Physically and mentally it was very hard. We had a light training week due to various injuries and niggles – Twickenham’s a big pitch and the boys were sore after a physical battle – and after such a massive high, we had to get set again.
“We were probably a bit undercooked physically, but we had to do that to get the mental edge.”
Key to victory were the outstanding centre partnership of Radianirova and man-of-the-match Lt Frank Kelly (AGC (SPS)), and Tim was quick to pay tribute to them along with the afternoon as a whole.
He ended: “Solo’s feet can leave you cross-eyed and Super Frank is 6ft 5in on the hoof as Bill McLaren would say, he’s a difficult man to stop and gives us great go forward and impact.
“It’s a lovely day and there was great support, so hopefully as an event it can keep on growing – the people of Gloucester do us proud.”
Words © Richard Ashton
All images – Alligin Photography © Army Rugby Union
