Head Coach, Capt Mark Eastley (RE), is seeking a complete performance from the Army Masters team against the Royal Navy’s Mariners this Friday evening.
The Masters took a step towards retaining their Inter Service Championship title with a 41-24 win over the RAF Vultures in Gloucester in April, but despite that, and the six tries which were scored, Capt Eastley has identified areas for improvement.
One such area is discipline, following the conceding of 17 penalties against the Vultures, along with a trio of yellow cards.
“The Masters looked unstoppable when they stuck to the script,” Capt Eastley comments. “However, too many penalties allowed the Vultures to play within our red zone far too often.”
This also contributed to the Masters’ tackle count being almost double their number of carries, even though the team took its opportunities both sides of the half-time break.
It was the sixth win from seven games for the Masters in 2022/23, with the only loss coming against Army Scotland in a red shirt derby. With those victories including successes against club teams as well as representative sides from the Prison Service and English Fire Brigade, it has been a memorable few months for the group.
Capt Eastley wants this to be rounded off in style at Rosslyn Park.
“The players are looking to finish the season with a complete performance both in attack and defence and are relishing the challenge that the Mariners will bring on Friday,” he says.
“We want to play our fast game, but know that we will have to move the Mariners’ heavy pack around the pitch to achieve that.
“We have been on a progressive journey from the start of the season with our biggest challenge to come on Friday night.”
Friday’s game is at Rosslyn Park RFC, KO 1800hrs. Entry is free and all are welcome.
Words © New Dog, Old Tricks
Header and featured image – Alligin Photography © Cat Goryn
