Spr Lauren Brooks (RE) had a maiden run-out in a red shirt to remember on Saturday afternoon, capping an impressive performance with the Army Senior Womens team’s two tries in their 18-5 win over Sweden.
This is Spr Brooks’ first eligible season for selection, having joined the Army Reserves earlier this year, and with more than 50 appearances for Harlequins under her belt she is bringing plenty of experience for WO2 Sarah Mitchelson (RLC) and her coaches to utilise in the build-up towards the 2023 Inter-Services Championship.
Both Spr Brooks’ tries came from close range, the first seeing the flanker have the ball in her possession as the forwards drove a lineout over the whitewash, the second finishing off patient phase play close to the Swedish line.
With Pte Courtney Pursglove (RLC) adding eight points from the tee, the Army had built up an 18-point lead by the break. And they would need this buffer in the second half, as they spent most of the 40 minutes on the back foot.
This meant that Spr Brooks got to experience both the joy which comes from attacking well and the pride which comes from strong defence. And coming from an Army family she also knows the place that red shirt rugby has within the Armed Forces, which gave the debut special meaning.
“It was just excellent to get out,” she told BFBS. “I’ve wanted to be involved in this set-up for a long time; it’s an absolute honour and a privilege to pull on the red shirt.
“So to come out here and come away with two tries topped it off quite nicely.”
Spr Brooks’ Harlequins team-mate, SSgt Jade Mullen (AGC (SPS)), captained the Army team from the centres, with former Quins player, Bdr Bethan Dainton (RA) alongside the flanker in the back row.
She says that this club connection was important in providing support for her as she joined the Reserves and make herself available for the Army.
“There are a couple of girls who have been at Quins, who have been a massive influence in helping me to get involved in the Army set-up,” Spr Brooks added.
WO2 Mitchelson and the coaches used Saturday’s game as an opportunity to blood a number of new players into the set-up, building from a pre-Christmas trial, with another match coming against the British Police on January 25th before the squad is whittled down ahead of the Inter-Services Championship.
Spr Brooks says that Saturday’s success against Sweden can provide the group with a springboard into the rest of the season.
“We’ve had quite a few new players like myself be involved today,” she commented, “and I think we’ve laid a good foundation for the 2023 season.
“Hopefully we’ll build on that, working harder, building that community within the team, and hopefully we’ll come away with a few more wins in the season.”
The Army Women are next in action against the British Police as part of a red shirt double-header in Aldershot on Wednesday, January 25th. Kick off at the Army Rugby Stadium will be at 1500hrs, ahead of the Senior Men’s match against the British Police.
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Words © New Dogs, Old Tricks
All images – Alligin Photography © Cat Goryn
