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Friday 7 May, 2010
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Army Masters XV Match Reports
Season 2009-2010
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Inter-Services Championship 2010
Army Masters XV (28) v Navy Veterans (19)
Kneller Hall - 1 May 10 |
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An overcast morning in the shadow of Twickenham and the Navy kick off; an early blood injury sees Marc Wilding come off for Jamie McMeechan. A mistake at the back of a scrum and the Navy number 9 chips into the corner for a race, which the Navy winger wins, 9 minutes played, 0-5. Mike Nawaqaliva is replaced by Nabs Nabakeke. Lovely hands by the Army and Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua is going over in the corner, however a high tackle halts the play and a yellow card is given to the Navy cover. Struggling to hold the Masters, the Navy are kicking everything but as they kick the ball away the Army take it back. After 25 minutes a penalty by Mark Reed takes the score to 3-5; Nabs Nabakeke is replaced by Alex Biggs.
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| From a solid forwards platform the Masters
backs execute a move with Errol Jones
going round the full back to score in the corner, 37 minutes
and 8-5. Great Army play continues the pressure with the
Navy holding on; as the sun comes out and the pressure
is maintained lots of stoppages ends with another penalty
from Reed and the half, 11-5 (Good rugby).
After a round of applause from the large crowd for the
band, the second half kicks off with the Masters immediately
attacking the Navy line. A penalty relieves the onslaught
but a good run from Tom Tom Turagabeci
sees the Army straight back on it! However after a further
penalty the score, 47 minutes played, moves to 11-8.
The
Navy are back to kicking the ball away, again returned
with good running rugby. A lineout in their 22 is quickly
followed by a scrum; blood injury to Gary Windle
and he is replaced by Mark Eastley,
as Mark Kane goes under the posts,
converted by Mark Reed, after 55 minutes, 18-8. When
the blood injury comes back on Eastley
replaces Shaun Collins – after
another fine effort. On the hour mark and the Navy have
converted two further penalties to make the score, 18-14;
ultimately a trigger for the Masters – time to
go! What followed was a solo effort from the Army 10
– Calvin Venn, as he twisted
and turned I’m sure he went through or round more
than 15 Navy players; converted by Reed, 25-14. |
1 Simon Orr RAMC
2 Gary Windle RE - MoM
3 Shaun Collins RLC
4 Marc Wilding REME
5 Thomas Masiwini REME
6 Neil Griffiths RWF
7 Dave Goddard RE - Skipper
8 Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua RLC
9 Lala Lalauvaki RLC
10 Calvin Venn RLC
11 Errol Jones RE
12 Mark Kane APTC
13 Mark Reed RE
14 Mike Nawaqaliva RLC
15 Tom Tom Turagabeci RLC
16 Dave Boocock APTC
17 Peter Francis AGC
18 Alex Biggs R Ang
19 Mark Eastley RE
20 Jamie McMeechan REME
21 Emosi Nabakeke R Sigs
22 Steve Dobie RLC
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| Excellent work from the Army Masters and
the pressure results in a yellow card for the Navy; the
9 – 10 combination is working; the number 8 is joining
the back line; all ground gaining stuff! A penalty from
Biggs after 78 minutes leaves the score
at 28-14 and time to let the battered skipper (Dave
Goddard) who led from the front again, finally
take a break – replaced by McMeechan.
A couple more replacements see Lala Lalauvaki
and Simon Orr off for Dave Boocock
and Steve Dobie; followed by a yellow
card for Jamie McMeechan, and then Neil
Griffins (equally battered) replaced by
Peter Francis. A succession of penalties takes
the Navy into the Masters half for the first time in a
while and when, during the last play, the Navy number
8 stretched out in the corner, the referee blows to give
a final score of 28-19.
Wooden spoon averted and a hard fought Inter Services
ends for another year, the last for a couple players
and some of the backroom staff (list available upon
request), plus a few new ‘caps’. With presentations
galore, including player of the season to Griff
Griffiths, the day was a success for the Masters
and many thanks must go to our sponsors, Enterprise,
for their continued support (Yes, I’m looking
for a job). And lastly, the term ‘has been’
is sometimes mentioned, these guys have definitely been
- but they most certainly haven’t gone away! (Final
Note: - thanks for the memories).
Match Officials
Referee: David Patterson, Assistant Referees: Andy Halliwell, Fraser Todd, No4: Chris Goss
Read what the Ancient Mariners had to say about the
match at www.navyrugbyunion.co.uk
Posted: 5 May 10
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Inter-Services Championship 2010
Army Masters XV (6) v RAF Veterans (10)
Newbury - 21 Apr 10 |
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Wednesday evening in Newbury, a slight chill in the
air - the shape of things to come! The RAF kicked off
and with a series of penalties, both sides spend the
next 15 minutes sizing each other up - at which stage
Steve Dobie comes on to cover a blood
injury (Paul Tink). A cover tackle
from Mark Kane, supported by Dave
Goddard, and the game comes to life; the RAF
centre goes in under the posts, converted, 21 minutes
played 0-7. A good tackle from Calvin Venn
and lots of loose ball sees good work from the Army
back row - with a great pick up from Neil Griffiths
noted. A further series of penalties cannot add to the
score as the half ends
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| The second half starts with a brilliant
run by Tom Tom Turagabeci into the RAF
22; another blood injury (Mark Reed)
sees Alex Biggs enter the fray and when
a yellow card is shown to the RAF he successfully converts
the penalty, 49 minutes, and 3-7. Five minutes later RAF
pressure is rewarded with yet another penalty, 3-10 and
with the yellow card returning (on the hour mark) the
RAF set up defensively and the countdown clock starts
ticking! Strong work from the Masters pack takes them
to the RAF line, a penalty and a 5m scrum – surely
only a matter of time (tick tock); the ball is cleared
but the Army return with a further penalty converted by
Mark Reed, 6-10.
Into the last 10 minutes, Mark Reed
and Nabs Nabakeke are replaced by Alex
Biggs and Errol Jones; followed
by Dave Boocock being changed for Lala
Lalauvaki. With play seemingly stuck in the
middle of the park, a good final effort from the Army
Masters takes the ball deep into the RAF 22 (again),
fortune favours the brave and the final whistle is blown.
The RAF set out their stall early on and stuck to their
game, a deserved result for them; it was good to see
Mike Campbell back – for one
last game? Focus now turns to the Navy match and a final
chance to ensure all the hard work done this season
finishes with a roar! |
1 Simon Orr RAMC
2 Paul Tink RA
3 Shaun Collins RLC
4 Mike Campbell RLC
5 Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua RLC
6 Neil Griffiths RWF
7 Dave Goddard RE - Skipper
8 Marc Wilding REME
9 Dave Boocock APTC
10 Mark Reed RE
11 Emosi Nabakeke R Sigs
12 Calvin Venn RLC
13 Mark Kane APTC
14 Mike Nawaqaliva RLC
15 Tom Tom Turagabeci RLC
16 Andy Jackson AGC
17 Steve Dobie RLC
18 Peter Francis AGC
19 Errol Jones RE
20 Jamie McMeechan REME
21 Lala Lalauvaki RLC
22 Alex Biggs R Ang
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Posted: 23 Apr 10 |
Army Masters XV (34)
v Farnborough (29)
Farnborough - 12 Apr 10
On a cold, windy night Farnborough kick off and immediately
show their strength as pace in the backs slice through
to score under the posts, one minute played, 0-5. Each
excursion into the Farnborough half is returned deep
by the boot and the Army have to build and build again.
The Masters forwards take the ball on and when combining
well with the backs, Farnborough are penalised trying
to kill the ball - the Army roll on. A good scrum follows
and 'bang, bang' WO2 Paul Tink goes
over, converted by SSgt Mark Reed,
10 minutes played, 7-5. The wily Farnborough pack and
their kicking backs, relying on speed, keep the Masters
to their task - Sgt Ged Arthur is replaced
by Cpl Lala Lalauvaki and on 15 minutes
a penalty takes the score to 7-8. |
After 19 minutes another kick results
in a melee under the posts and the Army winger is trampled
as Farnborough touch down, converted, 7-15. The Masters
look good going forward however the opposition tactics
ensure they play in their own half, the next comment
in my book 'holding but only just' is soon realised.
The ball is sent across the backs and the Farnborough
winger goes over in the corner, all done at speed and
with 26 minutes on the clock, the score moves to 7-20.
The Farnborough fly half appears to be having a controlling
influence on the game; an Army penalty by Mark
Reed on 29 minutes makes the score 10-20, the
Masters game is picking up and playing good rugby move
into the opposition 22 but good defence sees the ball
cleared back to our 22!
Farnborough penalty, 39 minutes, 10-23; a length of
the field return by Maj Mike Nawaqaliva,
supported by Cpl Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua,
sees the Army Masters finish the half deep into opposition
territory - coach WO1 Mitch Mitchell
then takes the time to remind the team of a few areas
of their game that needed refining! The second half
kicked off with the Army immediately on the attack with
Cpl Nabs Nabakeke taking the ball on,
from the resulting scrum Sgt Dave Goddard
picks and goes, off loading to Maj Peter Francis
to score, conversion missed, 15-23. A good re-start
from the Masters, with solid defence turning into attack;
a bit of ping pong but most play in the Farnborough
half, on 52 minutes Paul Tink is replaced
by LCpl Steve Dobie, supplementing
further a good display from the Army front row. |
1 Lt Col Simon Orr RAMC
2 WO2 Paul Tink RA
3 WO1 Shaun Collins RLC
4 SSgt Errol Jones RE
5 Cpl Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua RLC
6 Sgt Ged Arthur RLC
7 Maj Peter Francis AGC (ETS)
8 Sgt Dave Goddard RE - Skipper
9 Capt Dave Boocock APTC
10 SSgt Mark Reed RE
11 Maj Nawaqaliva RLC
12 Maj Alex Biggs RAng
13 SSgt Calvin Venn RLC
14 Cpl Nabakeke R Sigs
15 LCpl Tom Tom Turagabeci RLC
16 Cpl LaLa Lalauvaki RLC
17 SSgt Mark Kane APTC
18 Maj Mike Atkinson AGC
19 SSgt Mark Eastley RE
20 SSgt Andy Jackson AGC
21 Cpl Pete Inoke RLC
22 LCpl Steve Dobie RLC |
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With 59 minutes gone SSgt Mark Kane
is on for SSgt Calvin Venn and a drop
goal takes the score to 15-26. From the kick off good
forward play turns the ball over and Dave Goddard
saunters under the posts, converted by Maj Alex
Biggs, 22-26. On 65 minutes a further penalty
and a score of 22-29, then a team yellow card for Capt
Dave Boocock -an individual mention
for SSgt Errol Jones playing well,
out of his usual position. To counter being a man down
the Masters apply pressure and camp on the Farnborough
line for the next 5 minutes, eventually the ball is
fed out and Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua easily
goes over; good play is rewarded further with a successful
conversion from Alex Biggs to tie the
scores after 73 minutes, 29-29. A yellow card for Farnborough
adds to the mix and a possible grand finale!
Against a tiring opposition the Army push on, LCpl Tom Tom Turagabeci is replaced by Cpl Pete Inoke; in the last couple of minutes Farnborough try to break out but good defence, followed by a good lineout ensures the match will finish in their half. Solid forward play, good hands in the backs, desperate defence from Farnborough and a charge down climaxes in Mike Nawaqaliva finishing out wide and the game, final score 34-29 (to at least one cheer!). Many thanks must go to Farnborough Rugby Club for their excellent performance, hospitality and continued support to the Army Masters XV.
Posted: 14 Apr 10
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Army Masters XV (23) v Kew Occasional's
(5)
Richmond - 20 Mar 10
An overcast Saturday afternoon and Kew Occasional's,
who were complimented by the inclusion of Army Master
front row Maj Mike Atkinson AGC, kicked
off. A quiet enough start with some solid forward play
testing the opposition, just need to play in their half!
All middle of the park stuff for 13 minutes, good defence
and turn over sees a steady build up as the Army advance,
penalty missed (19 minutes), 22 charged down, now firmly
in their half. A good interchange across the park is
just halted with the ball ultimately held up over the
line, from the 5m scrum WO2 Jim Evans
crosses and after 23 minutes play we have the first
score, Conv missed, 5-0. |
After 30 minutes a missed touch leads to
the Kew winger stretching the Masters defence and when
the ball is swung wide the other wing goes over in the
corner, 5-5.
Straight from the restart, a high hanging ball, 9 to 10
and Capt Alex Biggs breaks the line,
pops to Sgt Dave Goddard who goes in
under the posts, converted by WO1 Marc Wilding,
12-5. The half finishes tamely with both sides appearing
to take a breather, the expected rain is still holding
off! An even start to the second half is tipped after
48 minutes when Marc Wilding converts
a penalty to take the score to 15-5; Jim Evans goes off
to be replaced by Maj Peter Francis.
Secure ball from the restart is maximised by a length
of the field kick by SSgt Mark Reed,
pressure is maintained as the ball is taken on by WO2
Neil Griffiths and good tackling by
SSgt Paul Tink. The Occasional’s
are rotating their replacements and after 54 minutes
Paul Tink is replaced by LCpl Steve
Dobie due to injury. There follows a management
technique by the official as three yellow cards (2 for
the Masters and one for Kew) that ensures confusion
reigns at the breakdown area. A penalty by Marc
Wilding takes the score to 18-5 and with cup
rugby winning us the game Kew are well and truly pinned
in their own 22m.
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1 Lt Col Simon Orr RAMC
2 SSgt Paul Tink RA
3 WO1 Shaun Collins RLC
4 WO2 Jim Evans HCR
5 WO1 Marc Wilding REME
6 WO2 Neil Griffiths R Welsh
7 Capt Jamie McMeechan REME
8 Sgt Dave Goddard RE - Skipper
9 Capt Dave Boocock APTC
10 SSgt Mark Reed RE
11 SSgt Errol Jones RE
12 Capt Alex Biggs R Ang
13 SSgt Calvin Venn RLC
14 Maj Mike Nawaqaliva RLC
15 WO2 Mark Kane APTC
16 LCpl Steve Dobie RLC
17 WO1 Muz Murray REME
18 Cpl Lala Lalauvaki RLC
19 LCpl Pete Inoke RLC
20 Maj Peter Francis AGC
21 SSgt Andy Jackson AGC |
With their tails up the Army Masters
take the ball across the park one way and then the other,
a grand finale beckons as the scrum dominates. Kew are
penalised and from the lineout a 5m scrum is awarded
where the Masters pressure is rewarded with a try from
the skipper Dave Goddard, conversion
missed, 23-5. Good work from SSgt Errol Jones
clears the line as Kew try to finish on a high. A solid
performance from the Army is just revenge for last seasons
only defeat by the Occasional's, many thanks to Richmond
for hosting the match again. Onwards and upwards only
one fixture left before the Inter Services which the
current squad have justified selection.
Posted: 22 Mar 10 |
Army Masters XV (30) v Richmond Heavies (30)
Aldershot - 26 Feb 10
A cold, windy night on Queens Avenue; Richmond kicked
off and kept the Masters in their half until a successful
penalty attempt put the score at 0-3 after 7 minutes.
A good break out from defence by Richmond is halted
by a cover tackle from Sgt Dave Goddard,
further big tackles doesn't hide the scrappy, scrambling
defence from the Army. A penalty takes the Masters back
into the Heavies half and from the resulting lineout
the backs pull a move that allows LCpl Pete
Inoke to go over, with the conversion missed,
the score moves to 5-3 after 14 minutes played.
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Good pressure from the Army and another
penalty, this time converted by Maj Alex Biggs,
sees the score at 8-3 after 18 minutes. With the game
seemingly settling down into the middle of the park,
very good hands by the Masters backs, in particular
Cpl Nabs Nabakeke and LCpl Tom
Tom Turagabeci, allows SSgt Mark Reed
to go over in the corner, conversion missed, 23 minutes
played; 13-3. More solid defence is required by the
Army as the Richmond Heavies press, a succession of
penalties follow - with the score moving to 13-6 (31
minutes) and then 13-9 (37 minutes).
With obvious frustration a further penalty results
in a yellow card for WO2 Neil Griffiths
and a try under the posts for Richmond, converted, half
time score of 13-16. The following replacements took
place; WO2 Paul Radford for Cpl Alfred
Vakacoko-Vanua, Alex Biggs for
WO2 Andy Kershaw, Pete Inoke
for SSgt Mark Kane, SSgt Errol Jones
for Maj Mike Nawaqaliva, Nabs Nabakeke
for WO1 Muz Murray, WO1 Shaun
Collins for Maj Mike Atkinson
and Dave Goddard for Capt Jamie
McMeechan – a number of positional changes
complete the coach’s blast.
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1 Lt Col Simon Orr RAMC
2 WO1 Shaun Collins RLC
3 LCpl Steve Dobie RLC
4 WO1 Marc Wilding REME
5 WO2 Paul Radford RRF
6 WO2 Griff Griffiths R Welsh
7 Lt Col Mike Campbell RLC - Skipper
8 Sgt Dave Goddard RE
9 Cpl Lala Lalauvaki RLC
10 Maj Alex Biggs R Ang
11 SSgt Errol Jones RE
12 SSgt Mark Kane APTC
13 SSgt Mark Reed RE
14 Cpl Nabs Nabakeke R Sigs
15 LCpl Tom Tom Turagabeci RLC
16 SSgt Andy Jackson AGC
17 Capt Jamie McMeechan REME
18 LCpl Pete Inoke RLC
19 Maj Peter Francis AGC (ETS)
20 Capt Dave Boocock APTC
21 WO2 Andy Kershaw RAC
22 Maj Mike Atkinson AGC (ETS)
23 WO1 Muz Murray REME
24 Maj Mike Nawaqaliva RLC
25 Cpl Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua RLC
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From a good break out (22 to 22) by Tom Tom
Turagabeci and Mike Nawaqaliva,
a penalty from Mark Reed ties the score
at 16-16 after 48 minutes - Maj Peter Francis
on for Neil Griffiths. A yellow card
on 49 minutes for Lt Col Simon Orr
is shortly followed by a 5m scrum, after a tackle by
Mike Nawaqaliva when the Richmond winger
had crossed the line, resulting in Peter Francis
swapped for Shaun Collins. The Heavies driving maul from a lineout leads to another try which is converted and so after 53 minutes play the score is 16-23.
With Richmond ahead everything is kicked to ensure
the Army have to build from their own half, which they
do, until they are camped in the Heavies 22 and with
a yellow card for the Richmond back rower surely it's
just a matter of time. Simon Orr and
Peter Francis come back on with LCpl
Steve Dobie going off. After 68 minutes
Shaun Collins is bundled over and Mark
Reed converts to take the score to 23-23. A
great break, involving Peter Francis
and Mike Nawaqaliva, sees Alfred
Vakacoko-Vanua power through to go under the
posts, conversion by Mark Reed, 71 minutes; 30-23.
After another driving maul from a lineout, the Heavies
score a converted try to tie the scores after 75 minutes
play; 30-30. Dave Goddard comes back
on for WO1 Marc Wilding, as the Richmond
exchanges become more frequent; I used the word 'guile'
in my notes to describe the Heavies play! A big last
effort from the Army sees Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua
go over in the corner however the final pass was deemed
forward by the officials and the game ends - a fair
result (depending on who you talked to!!). Many thanks
go to Phil Ware and his assistants,
Dave Squires and Frazer Todd
(An all RAF team of 3).
Posted: 1 Mar 10
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Army Masters XV (7) v Richmond Heavies (15)
Richmond - 28 Nov 09
On a cold afternoon in Richmond the Army Masters XV took on a Heavies side that
were focussed from the kick off. An early penalty was
taken blind by Richmond and the ball was bundled over
to start the scoring, 3 minutes played, 0-5. With the
Heavies keeping it tight, most of the play is in the Masters
half and with several penalties conceded by the Army,
Richmond finally make one count to take the score after
14 minutes to 0-8. WO2 Paul Radford is
replaced by Maj Jason Gunning. |
| The Army fronts put in some good work but
the Heavies kick everything to clear their lines –
putting the Masters back but tiring themselves out (hopefully!).
On 20 minutes three changes see Maj Cam Cameron
for Maj Mike Atkinson, Lt Col
Huw James for LCpl Vol Volaikisuva
and Maj Jason Kennedy for SSgt Andy
Wilkinson. An ‘unlucky’ elbow, a
broken nose and a not so good looking Capt Alex Biggs
is replaced by SSgt Mark Reed, after
26 minutes; I made a note – very scrappy & cold!
A good turnover is negated by yet more penalties, enabling
Richmond to release any build up of pressure –
Mark Reed is replaced by SSgt Mark
Kane (37 minutes). From a good scrum the Heavies
number eight shows his frustration and is yellow carded,
penalty missed – half time! A couple more changes
are made with LCpl Idris Davies replacing
LCpl Tabs Tabalakia and SSgt John
Pines on for SSgt Paul Tink
– with WO1 Shaun Collins, skipper
for the day, moving to hooker.
A positive start to the half by the Army; after a good
tackle from Maj Peter Francis, a break
from CSgt Trevor Harland brings the
Masters into Richmond’s 22; however this leaves
LCpl Pete McDonald being carried off
and replaced by LCpl Dan Ratu (47 minutes).
With more play in the Heavies half, an interchange with
Mark Kane, WO2 Dean Ross and WO2
Andy Kershaw gains good ground; it’s
coming slowly; Jason Gunning is replaced
by Andy Wilkinson after 55 minutes
play.
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1 WO1 Shaun Collins RLC - Skipper
2 SSgt Paul Tink RA
3 Maj Mike Atkinson AGC (ETS)
4 WO2 Paul Radford RRF
5 SSgt Andy Wilkinson RA
6 LCpl Vol Volaikisuva R Ang
7 Maj Peter Francis AGC (ETS)
8 Cpl Dicky Homer AGC
9 LCpl Tabs Tabalakia RLC
10 Capt Alex Biggs R Ang
11 LCpl Pete McDonald REME
12 WO2 Dean Ross RE
13 CSgt Trevor Harland PWRR
14 WO2 Andy Kershaw RAC
15 WO2 Boz Boswell REME
16 Maj Cam Cameron REME
17 SSgt John Pines Int Corps
18 Maj Jason Gunning R Signals
19 Lt Col Huw James R Welsh
20 SSgt Mark Reed RE
21 Maj Jason Kennedy R Signals
22 SSgt Mark Kane APTC
23 Cpl Lala Lalauvaki RLC
24 LCpl Idris Davies R Signals
25 LCpl Dan Ratu RLC |
| An hour into the game and Richmond are
working the blind well (again), frantic tackling is allowing
the Heavies to keep it ‘messy’. Failure to
hit the 1st tackle leads to another penalty and Richmond
kick into the Masters 22 – first time for a while!
Good defence keeps them out; Cpl Lala Lalauvaki
replaces Jason Kennedy, with the ball
held up over the line (twice), a further penalty finally
sees the Heavies fall over in the corner to score a well
converted try, 69 minutes played, 0-15.
More replacements with Mike Atkinson
for Cam Cameron and Paul Tink
for Shaun Collins; from the restart the Army show their
mettle and take the game to Richmond. A penalty (yes,
to us!) is taken quickly by Lala Lalauvaki and with
fast hands the winger Andy Kershaw scores, converted
by Idris Davies, 73 minutes played, 7-15. The Heavies
use their guile to see out the rest of the game and
gleefully accept their first win over the Masters; they
now look forward to the return match in February.
Posted: 2 Dec 09
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Army Masters XV's (37) v Farnborough (43)
Aldershot - 03 Nov 09
A cold, wet night in Aldershot saw the Army XXXV's take on a young, but not inexperienced Farnborough side. The majority of the Army bench were wrapped up as the back bone of a CS side with a fixture at the weekend, however from the Farnborough kick off Cpl Charlie Wainiqolo is helped off - replaced by Maj Cam Cameron - and an ensuing penalty starts the scoring at 0-3. At the back of the line Capt Jamie McMeechan takes the ball into contact and from a messy ruck LCpl Idris Davies kicks through, a fumble from the Farnborough full back allows Davies - who followed his kick - to drop on the ball over the line, missed conversion, 5-3.
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Mistakes aplenty with the wet ball allow a busy Farnborough
side to spend time in the Army half but good individual
breaks bring the play back to the middle of the park.
Solid work - a 10/7 move, 9 & 10 line clearing kicks
and a cover tackle from the skipper for the day Lt Col
Mike Campbell - just delays the next
score as the Farnborough backs pull a move and go under
the posts, 28 minutes played, 5-10. A XXXV's penalty
just inside their 22 allows LCpl Pete McDonald
to bring the score to 8-10; then a turn over in the
backs by Farnborough, and when a trip on the cover tackler
goes unpunished, the winger went in at the corner to
put the score at 8-15.
From the re-start Farnborough break through to score
under the posts, 8-22, the wrong decision at an Army
penalty leads to another turn over and a hat trick for
the Fijian winger (or centre - who knew!), leaving the
score, 40 minutes played, at 8-29. Disjointed, missed
tackles and running away from support would be a bit
of a cynical view taken for this first trial match of
the season, hey ho, half time changes include Cpl Phil
Turagabeci for Lt Col Dave Eastman and WO2
Boz Boswell for Pete McDonald.
The second half kicks off with a fourth try for the
Farnborough wing / centre, 8-36; the needed response
is only a drop goal from Maj Alex Biggs,
11-36.
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1 Cpl Charlie Wainiqolo RLC
2 SSgt Paul Tink RA
3 WO1 Shaun Collins RLC
4 WO2 Big Jim Evans HCR
5 SSgt Tiny Baker REME
6 Maj Peter Francis AGC (ETS)
7 Capt Jamie McMeechan REME
8 Lt Col Mike Campbell RLC - Skipper
9 LCpl Idris Davies RSigs
10 Maj Alex Biggs RAng
11 Lt Col Dave Eastman REME
12 WO2 Dean Ross RE
13 LCpl Chris Tugaga REME
14 WO1 Muzz Murray REME
15 LCpl Pete McDonald REME
16 Maj Cam Cameron REME
17 Cpl Phil Turagabeci AGC (RMP)
18 WO1 Dave Boocock APTC
19 WO2 Boz Boswell REME
20 SSgt Mark Reed RE
21 Sgt Dave Goddard RE
22 Cpl LaLa Lalauvaki RLC
23. WO2 Neil Griffiths RWelsh |
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On 48 minutes the changes are Sgt Dave Goddard, Cpl
LaLa Lalauvaki, WO2 Neil Griffiths
and SSgt Mark Reed on and WO2 Jim
Evans, Idris Davies, Maj Peter
Francis, WO2 Dean Ross and
SSgt Tiny Baker off - school boy error!
Pressure is immediately brought to bear on the Farnborough
try line, 5m scrums and penalties galore, resulting
in a yellow card - thus equalling the sides! Dave
Eastman comes back on for LCpl Chris
Tugaga, another penalty - this time Dave
Goddard goes over, converted, 18-36. WO1 Dave
Boocock enters the fray and on the hour mark
WO1 Muzz Murray crosses, Alex
Biggs converts and the score moves to 25-36.
With things coming together it's all XXXV's and an
all hands move ends with Muzz Murray
going over in the corner, 65 minutes played, 30-36.
Farnborough make full use of rolling subs with their
large squad and a yellow card for the XXXV's seems to
give them a momentum that finishes with a steal against
the head, a kick into the corner and an isolated winger
to fall over the line, converted, 30-43. Some big runs
from Phil Turagabeci keep the opposition
in their half but penalties and injuries slow the play
down as the clock ticks on. Good work all round (support
play) in particular LaLa Lalauvaki
and Dave Goddard, sees the Army camped
inside their 22m!
Another penalty, a line out and SSgt Tinksy
Tink ends good play by squeezing under the
posts, converted by Biggs to leave
a final score of 37-43. A few new faces and a few old
reliables' with all giving the coaching staff plenty
to think about before the next match. Quote from Mr
Gary Allcock (Farnborough Coach): "I
enjoyed a really good game of rugby; our first half
dominance won the game", and thanks to Colin
Moore for stepping into the middle!
Posted: 5 Nov 09
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