Thames Water
ARU Challenge Cup

Final Results
Games played - Wed 2 Mar 2005

The Thames Water Army Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

Despite the wintery weather last week in Germany, the Major Unit Cup semi-final between 1 RRW and 1 Royal Scots was played out in Sennelager. After a pitch inspection and much discussion between referee, both team captains and officials, the game was only confirmed as 'on' at midday 2 hours before kick off. Despite the threat of more snow and freezing temperatures the rugby proved red hot and the game was in the balance until the final whistle with 1 RS running out winners 17 - 12.

The other Semi-Final in Larkhill was played out in almost spring-like conditions 1RGBW met a committed and spirited challenge from 1 Green Howards who although losing 28 - 13, refused to give up until the final whistle was blown. Mention must go to 1 RGBW loose head prop Tex Raratabu who scored a great individual try from 35 meters out. (Like all props the distance will increase with the telling of the story and old age!)

The weather was not as kind to the Semi Finals of the Minor Unit competition, 20 Armd. Bde. & Signal Sqn v 42 Engineer Regiment cancelled due to a frozen pitch in Germany. Whilst Defence Academy v NICSS was deferred due to operational commitments, both matches will now be played in Aldershot on Monday 28 Feb, 2 days prior to the Final.

Semi-Final Draw - 16 Feb 05

The Thames Water Army Cup Semi Finals

The Army Cup has now reached the semi-final stage, the competition has produced an interesting all Infantry line up with 1 Royal Scots who came through a tough encounter with 1 PWRR 10 points to 6 in Edinburgh, traveling to Germany to face BA(G) victors, 1 RRW.

1 RGBW saw off a sustained assault from 1RWF in Aldershot running out 18 - 8 victory, this was a typical Army Cup tie with no quarter asked or given on either side. A special mention must be given to referee Major Dave Edmonson for his intelligent handling of this encounter.

1 The Green Howards saw off a spirited display from 2 RGJ 17 points to 3 to earn the right to a semi place v 1RGBW at Larkhill.

Games are to be played on 16 Feb.

The Army Cup and Shield competitions have reached the Quarter final stage and some 'massive' games will be played on Wed 7 Feb for the right to a place in the Semi Finals on 19 February.

1 Royal Scots secured their place in the line up with a dramatic last minute victory to knock out pre- tournament favourites and holders 7 Para RHA. The match at Colchester was in the balance throughout and victory was sealed by 1 RS with a try in the corner which left a nail-biting conversion attempt to take the final score to 18 - 19, the final whistle went as soon as the conversion successfully sailed over. They now face 1 PWRR for a place in the semi's on Wed 19 Feb and for the right to play 1 RRW (winners BA(G)) who await and seem to be coming into some form after a period away on operational tours.

1 KOBR put up some stiff resistance against a well fancied 1 RGBW who have previously won the competition in season 2002/03. After an even first half at Hounslow (7 -7 at half time), the 1 RGBW forward pack put the squeeze on in the second half and provided the room the three quarter line had been praying for. 1 RGBW running out 24 - 7 winners will be a stiff test for a well drilled and tough 1RWF XV in Aldershot in the quarter finals. The winners of that game will face the winner of the other quarter final, between 2 RGJ and 1 The Green Howards which promises to provide a tough encounter for both teams.

Details of the line ups for the Minor Units cup quarter Finals and both Shield Quarter Finals can be found below. Keep checking this site for details of the Semi Final line ups

Our thanks go out once again to Cup sponsor Thames Water for their generous support of the Army Cup and Shield competitions.

Quarter Final Draw - 2 Feb 05