The Sapper Cup Final took place on Wednesday 17th May at Gibraltar Barracks. 39 Engineer Regiment made the long journey South to take on 22/26 Engineer Regiment in brilliant playing conditions in Minley.
The Kinloss side started as favourites as the current holders and after having a great season in the North of Scotland however the Tidworth side have also had success this season making it to an Army Final of their own. The game started at a fast pace with tackles flying in as expected of a Sapper rugby match, Tidworth had some big ball carriers which were testing the Kinloss defence. The Kinloss side settled and started to take control of the game and getting into their patterns and working their way up field and scored a well worked try down the right by Cfn Moku. Tidworth responded well with a good score of their own after a big carry up the middle and line break some good support and offloading lead to a score in the corner. Tidworth were dominating the scrums however a rare mistake led to a scrum against the head by 39 for the ball to then be moved to the speedster Cfn Moku in his last game for the Regt to go over for his second. 12 – 5 half time.
Some early second half changes made a big impact for the Kinloss side no more so than Sapper Rugby find of the season Spr Qaniuci who came off the bench to score a second half hattrick. The powerhouse back rower who has also played in the centre and wing for the Corps this season was unstoppable, Using his pace and power to score three great tries that the Tidworth defence could not deal with. Tidworth did score another good try of their own, another well worked try down the right and some great offloading which led to a try from their No 8 who had a great game working tirelessly. The final score was a 32-12 win for 39 Engr Regt and the Sapper Cup returns to Kinloss for the second successive season to go into an already full trophy cabinet Cpl McLean lifting the trophy again. Tidworth can be proud of their efforts with plenty of players missing they put together a good side that will only get better the more they play.
It was a good day and exactly what Sapper Rugby should be, hard, physical, fast rugby played in good spirits with both sides joining at the final whistle to sign together and share stories from the game.
Words and images provided by Major Andy Britton
