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Thursday 11 March, 2010
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March to Twickenham
Senior XV and Army 'A' Match Reports
- Season 2009-2010
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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 |

Ian Martin snipes |

Chris Budgen powers forward |
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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.
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Mark Lee takes it to the front |

Apo Satala again in imperious form |
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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
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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.
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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.
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Army XV Team
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
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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
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Peceli Nacamavutosteps the Oxford defence |
 Hooker Tom Hughes goes Route 1 |
 Dave Bates performs the Star Jump |
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".
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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.
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Mark Lee leads the Reds out of defence |

Chris Scarf drives the Saints back |
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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".
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Chris Scarf and Dave Bates execute a triple reverse
with tuck
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 Scrum half Ian Martin gets the backs moving |
| As the home team started to blow into the wind Darren Ball and Dave Bates drew a
second breath and surged forward surrounded by red shirts.
It was heart warming to see such great grinding mesmerising
skills born on fitness and cohesion. Inch by inch may
not be pretty but the exercise of unrelenting forward
power is one of the great sights of our game and it
is better than chasing opposition lightweights dancing
down the touchline.
Throughout the match the Saints locks, both 6 ft-8ins,
secured their own ball to effect but clever disguise
and brilliant teamwork ensured the Army never lost their
own line out. Indeed the Reds launched many attacks
off the top, particularly in the second half. From one
particular 'jump'n'drive' the Reds camped on the Saints
line until, at the fourth successive scrum, the referee
awarded a penalty try.
So 33pts-10 loss at the final whistle-down hearted ? -not a bit of it. "We fielded five players who wore the Reds shirt for the first time and welcomed back Peceli Nacamavuto at centre for the first time in three years. It was a terrific performance, full of pride, against a professional team" said Andy Price. "We have set our benchmark at this level and we gained a massive amount from what was a very sharp encounter. We may have leaked a couple of soft tries to dancing feet, and we will learn from that, but this was a top notch performance of which the players can be proud".
Read Northampton Saints' report (pdf 684Kb))
Posted: 12 Feb 10
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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. | 
Gerhard Wessels shifts the gears |
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.
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The return of thunder-hoof, Joe Kava |

No10 Ceri Cummings goes for the gap |
Chris Scarf who played
a full 80 minutes was everywhere. After an extended
period of ‘continuity’, newcomer Taniela
Basoko showed elusive pace on the right flank
before Scarf lowered his 18 stone
to the point where there was no stopping his thunder
to the line. His cohort down in the part of the scrum
that reeks of diesel, Darrell Ball,
also had a fine game showing uncommon pace for a grafting
lock. |
Dave Bates, heavyweight
with all round skills played at No6 and more than once
attracted the massed defence from the Light Blues.
Bates is something of a ‘go-getter’
who showed consummate versatility against an accomplished
university back row.
The REME half back pairing Tom Chennel
and Ceri Cummins brought a different
perspective after the break. Chennell
may not have the ‘hunter-killer’ instincts
of Ian Martin but he has a long service and fine understanding
with Cummings who is a natural predator
with an instinct to attack and kicked his conversions
with apparent ease.
Cambridge were never out of this match and showed
great initiative and determination. No doubt some of
these players will go on to professional contracts
which puts the Army performance into context. The Blues
scored a good try from short range but thereafter the
Reds stood firm on the rock of good organization and
self belief-- and the Thin Red line got thicker.
After the match Andy Price said he
was satisfied with the outcome, especially as this
was in effect the first Army game of 2010 and the coaching
staff and team were attempting to change the pattern
and tempo of the Reds’ game. “Our aim
is to keep the ball alive with unbroken successive
phases of play. The emphasis is on continuity and I
saw enough of that tonight to convince me we are on
the right track”.
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1. Ken Dowding
2. Simon Bull
3. Melvyn Lewis *
4. Ben Hughes * (Capt)
5. Chris Scarf *
6. Dave Bates *
7. Matt Bowman
8. Joe Kava *
9. Ian Martin *
10. Ben McNeil
11. Gus Quasavacatini *
12. Danny Cootes *
13. Gerhard Wessells *
14. Taniela Basoko
15. Malakai Magnus *
16. Matthew Dwyer *
17. Warren Ross-Allen *
18. Chris Budgen *
19. Darrell Ball *
20. Apolosi Satala *+ ++
21. Mark Lee * = +
22. Tom Chennell *
23. Ceri Cummings *
24. Will Gough
* - Denotes Army Cap
= - Denotes Barbarian
+ - Denotes 7s International
++ - Denotes 15s International |
Posted: 31 Jan 10 |
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
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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.
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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. |
 Giles Sayner |
"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.
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Backrow Matt Bowman (REME), who was the Under 23's 'Man
of the Season' and the 'Man of the Match' |

South African born Full Back Charl Coetzer (AGC) |
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
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