Army Academy vs Bristol University
10 Oct 2004

The old familiar saying "a game of 2 halves" was never more applicable than on Sunday 10th October at a sunny, but windy, Army Rugby Stadium in Aldershot where the Army Academy Under 21`s played Bristol University.

Selecting to play with the wind in the first half, the University Team (as did Sandhurst a fortnight earlier) quickly found what is proving to be a thorn in the Academy's side - their inability to come out of the blocks running, and within 6mins scored a converted try from either a well drilled rolling maul. This coupled with, shall we say, less than convincing tackling and handling from the Academy side proved to be the story of the first half with the University side using the strong wind to good effect any time the Academy failed to cross the gain line or find touch with their kicking, which to the nightmare of the coach`s, proved to be the case on a more than frequent basis.

To the relief of the Academy's supporters and coaching staff, the referee blew his whistle for half time with the home team down by 22 unanswered points. A large task lay ahead in the second half; however the wind was in the Academy's favour this time.

The Academy players had everything to play for. Firstly, in terms of cementing their positions within the squad for the Inter Services matches, but just as important, in the short term, a far more pressing job of turning round the deficit lay ahead. With the coach's encouraging words on how to amend the first half mistakes still firmly ringing in their ears, the Academy started the second half very much as the students did the first, with a fine individual try within 5 mins from…Roko. From this point onwards it was plain to see that the Academy would win the second half, however the burning question was, "By how many?"

Unfortunately, Bristol just proved a little too street-wise on the day and used the Academy's inability to clear out at the ruck to their advantage, by slowing down the quick ball needed to turn points into prizes. Both teams used a multitude of replacements, giving the Academy's team members maximum game time in the selectors eyes, whilst battling for that coveted squad place.

At the end state, with only 15 points notched on the scoreboard, all but a couple of places were still to play for and selection for the Navy and RAF games was still wide open and a University scalp had gone begging.

Result: Army U21's 15 Bristol University 22.