Corps Finals places confirmed in Round 6 deciders

The Royal Engineers retained the Jones-Drake Cannonball and set-up a Corps Championship Division One final rematch by narrowly winning 19-17 at the Royal Artillery.

The hosts took the lead with a penalty try secured from a dominant rolling maul, but the Sappers hit back before the break courtesy of a close-range effort.

They then hit the front thanks to LCpl Kurtis Booth, the second row following up his brilliant try for the Army at Cambridge 1923s by collecting a Spr Jack Johnson cross-field kick before running in from some 15 metres out.

The Gunners struck back with a similar play, though, this time Bdr Owain Davies the creator as his boot set-up LBdr Tuilovni to cross on the left.

However, the away side claimed the spoils late on as they created room out wide, the try also securing top spot on points difference ahead of the opponents they will take each other on again at Aldershot next Wednesday.

Third-placed Royal Logistics Corps’ picked up a bonus-point 36-7 victory at REME, but it was not enough to help them to a top-two position due to the Engineers’ success.

In Division Two, the Royal Signals turned a 6-3 half-time advantage into a 25-8 triumph at the Royal Armoured Corps, setting-up a final with an Infantry side who finished with a concession from the Army Air Corps.

The Army Medical Services completed a perfect Division Three campaign with a 53-8 success against the Royal Army Physical Training Corps.

No. 8 Cpl Billy Roberts led the way with a sensational four-try haul, while further scores came from Sgt James Irving with a double, LCpl Matt Bradbury, Cpl Daniel Simpson and WO2 Neirin Butler.

SSgt Lawless landed four conversions, with the Medics now taking on RAPTC in next Wednesday’s decider.

In the other group game, the Adjudant General Corps could not raise a side for their fixture with the International Corps.

REME Masters completed a clean sweep with a 29-0 victory against the RLC, while the RA and RE drew 22-22 in a cracker.

It means REME will take on the second-placed Sappers in the final.

The RLC sealed their spot in the Women’s showcase after beating AMS 29-5, the Logistics Corps now taking on REME for the trophy.