It was a wet, windy and miserable day at Larkhill for the second Merit Table fixture, made much more miserable by a disappointing result. The euphoria of the tremendous start to the season evaporated quickly as the Gunners, metaphorically, took a long time to get out of the changing room. It had been a less than satisfactory build up to the game but overall the Infantry were more urgent and wanted to win more. RARFC played well in parts and made plenty of opportunities but ultimately failed to capitalise on them.

The Infantry had the advantage of the wind in the first half and used it immediately to gain territory. The initial clashes indicated a close encounter in prospect but the opening score was a simple missed tackle which allowed the opposition to take an early lead. It was the only score in the half but it remained a fluctuating contest with the Infantry strong up front, fierce in the loose but not overly threatening outside. The Gunners were skilful in parts, handled well but couldn't string it all together. Davies and Osman made breaks, and Casqusau was put clear on a couple of occasions, but the final support or pass was lacking. The teams turned round 7-0 and RARFC could have been forgiven for thinking that they had weathered the storm and with the wind in the second half would be able to chart a winning course.

RARFC Team

1. Lt Sharp (AFC(H)),
2. Lt Davie (32 Regt),
3. Gnr Dowding (7 Para RHA),
4. Sgt Butler (7 Para RHA) (Capt),
5. Gnr Raikakai (47 Regt),
6. Capt Budd (3 RHA),
7. LBdr Perris (7 Para RHA),
8. Lt Trim (47 Regt),
9. LBdr Slade-Jones (47 Regt),
10. Lt Quin (5 Regt),
11. LBdr Lacey (7 Para RHA),
12. Capt Osman (47 Regt),
13. Bdr Davies (47 Regt),
14. Gnr Vatu (32 Regt),
15. Lt Jones (7 Para RHA).


Replacements: Lt Hogben (40 Regt), Sgt Laurie (104 Regt), Bdr Guilbert, Gnr Logavatu (47 Regt), Gnr Uluikadavu (14 Regt).

The second period started much as the first with a missed tackle and a try for the Infantry. This was a setback but there was still plenty of time and the Gunners pressed into the opposition's half. They were rewarded with a penalty which Quin neatly converted. On the touchline the feeling was that the fightback had begun but it was short-lived as the Infantry, minutes later, took a penalty quickly and cut through for their third try. It was beginning to look like an uphill struggle but there were only two scores in it and RARFC were still competing well.

As the clock ticked down and chances were not taken the Gunners tried to run from deeper. The Infantry defended resolutely, were difficult to breakdown and maintained their stranglehold on the game. With 15 minutes to go the result was sealed when the opposition flanker ran 20 metres with players falling off the tackle to make the fourth and final try. It was a disappointing day for RARFC having shown glimpses of promise and skill but the feeling afterwards was one of having to take it on the chin and putting it right at the next outing.

Result: RARFC 3 Inf 22

See also RA RFC web site.