March to Twickenham
Senior XV and Army 'A' Match Reports - Season 2009-2010

Army (15) v Worcester Warriors (15)
Aldershot - 10 Mar 10

Reds and Warriors draw a thriller

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

'High rewards for high risks' was Coach Andy Price's mantra as the Army faced Premiership club Worcester Warriors at Aldershot on 10th March - and it almost paid off.

The Reds were out of the blocks quicker than Usain Bolt. After high pressure to right and left along the length of the Warrior's line full back Charl Coetzer crossed by the posts in under 7 minutes. Ceri Cummings converted.

The Warriors, a thoroughly professional outfit, shook its collective head like a boxer caught in the early rounds, and came back strongly to test the Reds' defence for most of the second quarter

The Warriors had paid the Army the great compliment of fielding a strong team that knew how to turn the screw Wing Marcel Garvey showed glimpses of his England past whilst centre Greg King and flanker James Freeman ran excellent lines to score good tries for a 12pts-7 lead at the break

The Reds took a little while to regain its composure. Perhaps significantly the Army received an unwelcome 'hosing' in the lines-out. The Warriors enjoyed commanding height and retained their own ball with ease and, surprisingly, also succeeded in disrupting the Army throws. Even more surprisingly, however, the Army persisted in kicking to touch rather than upping the 'ball in hand' tempo that had been so successful in the first quarter.

The Army scrum held well and frequently marched the Warriors back towards their own line. Even when coach Price changed the front three en bloc the Reds maintained their marked supremacy that had an experienced Warriors in shreds.

And the backs are still strongly playing the right notes. With Andy Price ringing the changes it shows the 2010 squad has great depth. The Sapper pairing of Gerhard Wessels and Peceli Nacamavuto, who scored the second try, worked decisively in tandem and were often held only by Worcester finger tips. On the wing season newcomer Taniela Basoko was very quick whilst Gus 'Q' remained elusive in offence and solid in defence.

Increasingly scrum half Ian Martin called the fireplan whilst taking the opportunity to snipe at every sensible opportunity. His 'close coord' with the back row of skipper Mark Lee and Joe Kava was a Reds'feature as Andy Price turned to the team to show who are the leaders. Apo Satala could only, once more, be described as 'awesome'.

Ceri Cummings converted one try and a penalty to bring the result to 15pts all.

This was a satisfying performance against a professional team with eleven first team members playing 'for their contracts'. The Reds played high octane rugby and only just missed out on Andy Prices' promise of 'high rewards for high risk'. Maybe in a couple of games time the eagerness to play 7s from the bottom of the trench will be tempered by the pragmatic need for retention. Not, I trust, to the point where we cease to enjoy this particular exciting brand of rugby.

Posted: 11 Mar 10

Army XV (41) v Oxford University (19)
Oxford - 23 Feb 10

Army takes the Campbell Lamerton Trophy

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

Two moments of great rugby lifted this Army performance where the Red's engine spluttered on anything from 2 to 5 cylinders. That the Army comprehensively walloped a pretty reasonable Blues XV is neither here nor there.

For much of the play in a cold February Oxford fog it was a case of over- kicking in attack at the expense of using the firepower on the wings and making too many unforced errors. The Army should have grossed a half ton and only narrowly missed out.

Early tries by wings Gus Qasavakatini and Malakai Magnus provided a 12 pt lead and settled the direction of the game with Apo Satala and Chris Budgen putting in mighty performances. Also lock Dave Bates was an ever present force. Bates is a big fast man with a 'rip roaring' presence, a strong sense of direction and good hands. He operated efficiently in the lines out and ran well for his first half try.

The half concluded with the referee claiming he was unsighted after he sent two Army players for an extended rest. Down to thirteen men ensured the Reds front row had to gear up to cover the gaps which they did-almost. Two tries in that brief period was enough ammunition for Andy Price to re-draft his half time chat.

After the break the Reds welcomed back Peceli Nacamavuto to the centre and the resident scrum half Ian Martin. 'Naca' oozed penetration and was more than a handful for one man in defence. Martin brought terrier like leadership and bossed the game from the tight and broken play. They made a big difference both to the accuracy and tempo of a match that was by that time won but had, for periods, failed to show the Reds in their best light.

Melvyn Lewis *
Matt Dwyer *
Chris Budgen *
Chris Scarf *
Dave Bates *
Apo Satala * + ++
Mark Lee (Capt) * + =
Joe Kava *
Tom Chennell *
Ceri Cummings *
Gus Quasavacatini *
Gavin Ferguson
Gerhard Wessells *
Malakai Magnus *
Will Gough
Tom Hughes
Ken Dowding
Ifereimi Boladu
Matt Bowman
Ian Martin *
Perceli Nacamavuto *
Taniela Basoko

* - Denotes Army Cap
+ - Denotes 7s International
++ - Denotes 15 International
= - Barbarian

In the fourth quarter the engine started to purr. Mark Lee and Nacamavuto scored good tries whilst full back Will Gough finished off clinically after some excessive flamboyance from skipper Mark Lee. Also a beautifully controlled scrum emphasised the scrumming power of the 2010 team and showed they could, if necessary, play an ugly game and still move forward. That is massive credit at the bank

No10 Ceri Cummings slotted four conversions and one penalty.

Griping about a 41pts-19 victory over Oxford University for the first time in seven years is a luxury-maybe, but, with the bar set high, we are starting to see the way Andy Price and his coaching team are pumping up an already successful squad.

WO2 Andy Price (Welsh Guards), the Red's senior coach said "Yes, we put a few down but time is required for change--and then polish. We have the players to handle such change and I believe we are starting to see the improvements we all seek. The first big test will be against Worcester Warriors on 10 March at Aldershot".

Posted: 26 Feb 10

Army XV (10) v Northampton Saints (33)
Northampton - 10 Feb 10

Army show their mettle in the pro arena

Reporter/photographer: Roger Thompson

Northampton Saints Wanderers outscored the Army at Franklin's Gardens on 10 February. That the score was 33pts -10 camouflaged the complete story of a match where the Army played some excellent rugby, frequently testing the Saints defence to the last man.

The Saints , a truly professional club, fielded a number of youngsters of great quality who will no doubt feature on the international stage one day. On the afternoon they were held together principally by the seasoned Premiership pro Barry Everitt playing at No10 and former Wales and British Lion Darren Morris in the front row.

Before the game Reds coach Andy Price (Welsh Guards) had hammered home to anyone that would open half an ear that this was the standard that the Army aspired to in preparation for the 2010 Inter Services Championship. He got what he was looking for ! The Saints opened with a string of fluent moves orchestrated by fly half Everitt. The Reds were undoubtedly on the defence but, and it is a great but, they defended with spirit, organization and courage.

Time and again skipper Mark Lee led the Reds out of the trenches, hugely backed up by Chris Budgen, Chris Scarf and Joe Kava. In one particular snowstorm there was a chance of outflanking the home side to windward but a foot in touch denied a score.

The Saints scored four good tries in the first half where only a Ceri Cummings penalty lifted the fair number of Army supporters who had travelled from Bicester. Down 28pts-3 at the break and it doesn't take a Royal Signals technician to work out that the Army won the second half 10 pts-5!!

After the interval, with a number of 'bcr' and planned reinforcements, the game went the Reds' way. The forwards retained possession and growled their way towards the Saints line. The rucking was first class and scrummaging low, tight and vigorous. As Cpl Jones said, so frequently and eloquently, "Sir, they don't like it up 'em".

Army XV (7) v Cambridge University (20)
Cambridge - 27 Jan 10

Army emerge refreshed

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

The Army emerged from nine months of hibernation eager to show that they are refreshed and ready to lift their game to a higher platform.

Cambridge, the Varsity champions, fielded their strongest XV under the captaincy of Australian international Dan Vickerman. They started confidently with a ‘must attack’ spirit but quickly ran into some Red defence in depth—which was the story of the first half.

The Army defence was superb with Gerhard Wessels a rock at centre. It was particularly satisfying to see the Reds understanding of the new laws relating to the tackle area. Cambridge on the other hand surrendered two kickable penalties which Ben Mc Neil despatched with great aplomb for a half time lead of 6pts-nil.

Head coach Andy Price rang the changes at the break fielding skipper Mark Lee and Apo Satala who made an immediate impact. Strong in the tackle and off-load Satala drew more of the defence than the Students could afford to shepherd one player. This allowed Danny Cootes to crash over and create a 13 pt advantage.

In patches the Army played some stunning rugby ‘upping’ the pace and speed of ball through the hands. It was for some, with a major role to play in achieving continuity of attack, lung blowing stuff but it was effective and provided a glimpse of where Andy Price wants to go in order to achieve nine Twickenham successes on the trot.

Andy Price names his 2010 Army Senior Squad

Andy Price, safely back from operations, is delighted to name this season's 30 man Senior squad (see below). He states:

"It is the most exciting player base in my tenure. My selectors and I have looked at and discussed in excess of 75 players this season, culminating in a cracking game yesterday (16 Dec 09) between the Army A team and British Army (Germany). From that game 8 players confirmed their selection."

"There are 10 uncapped players in the 30, so clearly it will be a special year for some who will win a new cap. Some who have caught the eye already are: Matt Bowman, the backrower was the Under 23's 'Man of the Season' and the 'Man of the Match' yesterday (16 Dec 09). He will have 4 Internationals as his fellow back row colleagues this year. Gavin Ferguson has semi-professional experience in the Welsh Premiership. Charl Cootzer has already been capped for the Combined Services and watch this space as Taniela Basoko and sevens specialist Semesa Rokodguni who will both push hard for wing slots and are destined to score lots of tries."

"Among the young exciting new talent are some familiar names. Mark Lee will again skipper the squad, with 4 full time professionals in the ranks: Chris Budgen (Exeter Chiefs), Ken Dowding (Birmingham Solihull), Matt Dwyer (Worcester) and Apo Satala (Gloucester)."

"It is also great to have Joe Kava and Ledua Jope back safely from operations to again contest for the number 8 shirt."

"Melvyn Lewis, Chris Scarf and Ian Martin were also on Op Herrick 10, so 5 of these players have been at the sharp end of operations recently and we are pleased they are back safe to again were the red shirt."

"I must also add that many players again are not available for selection because of operations. Jack Prasad among many others deploy this week, we wish them well and god speed."

"We have a challenging season ahead. We were unbeaten last season and only conceded 2 tries in the Inter-Service matches against the Royal Navy and RAF. So we have much to live up to, but with this squad we can achieve similar."

Army Senior Squad 2010

Forwards

1. LCpl Chris Budgen – 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh
2. LCpl Melvyn Lewis – 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
3. LCpl Warren Ross-Allen – 7 Regiment, Army Air Corps
4. Gnr Ken Dowding * – 7th (Parachute) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery
5. LCpl Matt Dwyer - 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
6. WO2 Stuart Silvester * - Army Medical Services
7. Sgt Darrell Ball – Royal Engineers
8. Cpl Dave Bates – Royal Signals
9. Cpl Ben Hughes – Royal Engineers
10. LSgt Chris Scarf - 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
11. Capt Mark Lee (Captain) – Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services)
12. Pte Apolosi Satala – 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Royal Scots)
13. Pte Joe Kava – 23 Pioneer Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
14. LCpl Ledua Jope - – 26 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
15. Cfn Matt Bowman * - Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Backs

1. Capt Ian Martin – 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington’s)
2. Cpl Tom Chennell – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
3. Pte Gareth Parry * - 29 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
4. Capt Ben Mc Neil * - Scots Dragoon Guards
5. Cpl Ceri Cummings - Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
6. LCpl Danny Cootes – 33 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
7. Spr Perceli Nacamavuto – Royal Engineers
8. LCpl Gerhard Wessells – 39 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
9. Pte Gavin Ferguson * - 9 Supply Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
10. Pte Charl Cootzer * - Adjutant General’s Corps (SPS)
11. Tpr Semesa Rokodguni * - Scots Dragoon Guards
12. Spr Gus Quasavacatini – 39 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
13. Spr Taniela Basoko * – Royal Engineers
14. LCpl Malakai Magnus – 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
15. Capt Will Gough * - Army Medical Services

* - Denotes uncapped player.

Posted: 18 Dec 09

Army 'A' (39) v British Army (Germany) (9)
Aldershot - 16 Dec 09

Renewable Energy

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

Copenhagen does not have sole trader rights to 'renewable energy'. It is a must at all levels of Army Rugby. Players are injured or simply age, their personal circumstances change and, of course, there comes the big bugle call to head for Afghanistan.

For the Army team the outcome is that as many as a dozen uncapped players will be called up each season to bolster the Inter-Services squad.

The Academy has an excellent record in grooming players for the Senior XV but frequently a ‘chunky’ prop at junior level does not have the complete ticket for Twickenham. The summertime 7s team makes a major contribution but a ‘quick kid’ in the wide open spaces in July may not be able to handle the rough and tumble of XVs in February.

"Trials" I hear the 'over-50-somethings' shout and Chief Coach Andy Price (Welsh Guards) agrees. Since the Summer his scouts have been roaming the Regiments and Corps to find an Army 'A' team of uncapped players to take on British Army (Germany) at Aldershot.

Under the watchful glower of former Scotland prop Mattie Stewart (PWRR) and Army skipper Ed Smith (3 YORKS) the 'A' Team were given two training sessions before facing a well settled team from Germany-with outstanding results. The score 39pts-9 hardly matters but a number of players certainly lifted their head, and shoulders, above the parapet.

In no particular order Taniella Bakoso (RE) showed excellent acceleration, finishing power and defence. South African born Charl Coetzer (AGC), normally a winger but playing at full back, woke up at half time to show the 'Executive' how he arrived in the Army with such a great pedigree.

Blindside flanker Matt Bowman (REME), aged 19 (!) sent out a clear message to all Fiji warriors that the backrow for Twickenham 2010 was not a 'shoe-in'. An old hand but going strongly was Sly Silvester (AMS) who is making a name at London Scottish.

And, a big AND, the crowd who braved the snow and bitter cold were entertained with five good tries. Once defrosted Andy Price said "That was a very worthwhile exercise where a number of players, who might not make it this time, performed well and showed they were ready to climb the next rung on the ladder".

Posted: 19 Dec 09