|
 |
| Revised on: Thursday, 8 June, 2006 | |
March to Twickenham 2006
|
The final chapter of the March to Twickenham
|
Army achieve 'High Five' victory
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Reporter: Roger Thompson The Army beat the Navy 9pts-3 in a nail biting contest to win the BABCOCK Trophy for a record fifth successive time. Both had previously beaten the RAF to make the Twickenham encounter a 'winner takes all' match. | |
It wasn't always pretty but the 43,000 partisan spectators were part of the intense rivalry that can be traced back to Napoleonic times. The Army Reds had opened with a furious bombardment that should have reduced the Navy to matchwood. Somehow through diehard defence right up to the line and a little social skulduggery the Navy survived and even grew in stature. The conditions at Twickenham were not helpful- only snow and darkness could possibly have better suited the Navy. The greasy ball and treacherous surface clearly inhibited attempts to play expansive rugby but the Army, not unreasonably, persisted in moving the ball wide, attacking the short side believing that a try would come. |
 Army No 8 Ledua Jope opens another attack |
On three early occasions, with the Red's attack in position and fully revve'd up, the Navy's urge to dwell flagrantly in the Army's manoeuvre space enabled Army fly-half Mal Roberts to kick nine points, a handy buffer but a real break on the surging efforts of Northampton's Chris Budgen and Otley's Steve Trethewey. |
|||
 Mal Roberts |
 Chris Budgen |
 Steve Trethewey |
 Saula Roko |
With the Army forcing the ball out wide Peceli Nacamavuto frequently carved chunks out of the defence. He created plenty of space but quick men like Bruno Green and Fijian Sevens wing Saula Roko found difficulty making their raw speed count. The Army's efforts to recycle quick ball were cynically denied by the Navy to the point that former skipper Dan Parkes was sent, without a murmur, to the bin. He was fortunate not to be joined by the rest of the Navy back row for a communal NAAFI break. |
 Army wing Bruno Green turns the Navy defence around |
As the weather worsened the Army's efforts to run lines and adopt a simple ball transfer strategy were more productive. Sevens internationals Ledua Jope (Fiji) and Mark Lee (Scotland), who dominated the back row skirmishes, found some space and a try always looked a strong possibility. However, a penalty by Navy captain Dave Pascoe reduced the deficit to 9pts-3. With so much at stake the exchanges were intensified but the Army retained its composure. There have been matches that would make better television but the Reds were better and played better rugby than the score suggests. The win and a Championship the 20,000 Army supporters warmly hailed 'HIGH FIVE' |
The fifth successive victory opened a new era for the Army Reds who now go in to their centenary season with great expectations. Recent success on the playing field and improvements to the game's infrastructure at the Community level suggest that even more new blood will now emerge. The Sevens and Tens season over the Summer will certainly open doors and develop many players who are now on the verge of representative recognition. Coach Andy Hickling said "I am very proud of my players, support staff and what the Army as a whole has achieved. I am acutely aware that the Army success is providing the motivation for the other two Services. I am happy with that but we must remain vigilant - we must move on". |
Man of the Match:  Mark Lee |
 Skipper Ed Smith and Vice Captain Steve Trethewey show the silverware to the 20,000 Army supporters. |
|
Teams Army: Viljoen; Roko, Nacamavuto, Smith (c), Green; Roberts,
D Slade-Jones; Trethewey, Scothern, Budgen; Hughes, Sugden;
Rabuli, Lee, Jope. Navy: Lloyd; Barden, McRae, Caruana, Saunders; Pascoe, Quick;
Parkes, Milkins, Burns; Hucker, Cormack; Parker, Pilkington,
Dicks. Referee: R Debney Other Army team scores:
BFBS Twickenham report Download (requires Windows Media Player) Posted: 10 May 06 |
Army win Babcock TrophyReport from: RFU site - posted 8 May 2006 Three penalties from Army fly-half Mal Roberts, all in the first-half, ensured the Army retained the Babcock Trophy for the fifth successive year at Twickenham today. His kicks in the 4th, 20th and 30th minutes gave his side a 9-0 half-time advantage but, despite dominating the best part of the game, their poor handling and passing, allied to some storming defence from the Navy, prevented them from ever breaching the dark blue line. Army head coach Andy Hickling said: "The Navy have taken on board a lot of new ideas in the last year or so. Their video and game analysis meant they were very well prepared and stopped us playing in the channels we wanted to. They weren't just interested in damage limitation, though, and both sides came to have a go, even though the conditions didn't help. It nearly paid off for them but defensively we were superb and that's what earned us our fifth win in a row." Navy chairman of selectors Mike Connolly, who steps down this season, said: "The conditions let us down a litttle bit because we wanted a dry day and to play some expansive football. It took us a long time to get going and the penalty count we gave away was high - and if you do that against the Army you're making life difficult for yourselves. But what's promising is that we've got a really young bunch of lads who've come a long way this season. They're really upset in the dressing room and next year they'll want to come back and have a win to enjoy." Roberts gave the Army the perfect start after they had quelled the Navy’s lively opening with the first of his place kicks after four minutes. But, despite winning a lot of ball through their more powerful pack mistakes constantly blighted their progress and they were also down to 14 men after 19 minutes when lock Ben Hughes was yellow carded following a free-for-all. However, almost immediately, Roberts scythed through the Navy defence and, although brought down, the Navy went offside at the ensuing ruck and Roberts blasted over his second penalty. Ten minutes later he knocked over his third following more pressure on the Navy side but was off target going in to injury time with a fourth attempt. The Navy lost prop Dan Parkes to a yellow card in the opening minute of the first half but still the Army side couldn’t take advantage despite a stunning display from man of the match and flanker Mark Lee. After Roberts had missed a second 35 metre penalty straight in front the posts it fell to the battling Navy side to score the only points of the second half when fly half Dave Pascoe banged over a 31st minute penalty from 30 metres. While the Navy side, to a man, battled away and defended heroically when needed the Army were always in control of the 86th Inter-Services Championship final. Posted: 8 May 06 |
Army (82) v RAF (10) - 19 Apr 06
| |
The Reds had just returned from Cape Town (see Cape Dispatches) and were fit, slick and combined to the point that fly half Mal Robert's score in the first half rounded off what one old sage suggested was "probably the best Army try witnessed in the last 50 years". Scotland's Sevens skipper Mark Lee opened the scorecard with a thundering individual burst from the '22'. As the applause died down centre Peceli Nacamavuto, winning his first cap, slipped through the air-cover in top gear to sprint under the posts. |
 Army No 7 Mark Lee scores the first of two tries |
Hooker Rob Scothern followed with a third try to make the score 21pts--0 in half as many minutes but the RAF were far from finished. Measured in 'spirit' terms the Airmen looked well worth a couple of scores which kept the Army defence on its toes and made the match a very worthwhile spectacle. It is not difficult to see why the Army, even fielding six new caps, has become such a dominant force. | |
 Rob Sugden with escort |
Firstly success breeds success and there are some hundred players who could 'do a job' at Inter Service level in a red shirt. The competition for places is immense. Secondly the players introduced and groomed by coach Andy Hickling are now first class athletes who handle the ball well and operate as a team. They work for each other-none more so than the front row of Chris Budgen, Georgie Kemble and Steve Trethewey who total a massive 50 stone and move like rattlesnakes in a prairie fire. At lock the ever dependable Lee Soper and Ben Hughes, who drove gloriously through the RAF pack to clear space beyond, are at the top of their game. Winning his first Army cap Rob Sugden at No 5 jumped like a salmon on his own ball and sprinted sub-sonically half the length of the Newbury pitch for an exceptional score. Had he tripped there were more than enough red shirts flying 'escort' to pick up the bits. |
And of course the back row, all Army sevens caps with two of them internationals at the shortened game. The RAF had no answer to the punishing 'pic 'n drive' of Ledua Jope, Joe Kava and Mark Lee - nor would most teams outside the English Premiership. | |
|
Maybe the revelation of the Army season has been the expansive form of the backs. Daryl Slade Jones was quick and gave fly half Mal Roberts, converted from full back, a couple of yards to select his options. Roberts may have scored the 'try of the half-century' but it was his cultured boot that rocked the RAF back onto the deep defensive. Twenty seven points, including eleven conversions, must be a record. With skipper Ed Smith and Nacamavuto in thrusting and scoring form, right wing Saula Roko probably played his best game in a red shirt. Saula made the most of a fairly meagre ball supply whilst Bruno Green on the left wing foraged well when not presented with ill directed RAF manna from the heavens. Surprisingly, in such a high scoring game, neither wing crossed the line but both showed the clear incisive running that will electrify Twickenham. Coach Andy Hickling would not be drawn too deeply on scoring over 80 points and what must have been a satisfying result. |
 Mal Roberts slots the first of eleven conversions A record |
"The team played well but we were not, in my eyes, quite the finished product. We have a game at Aldershot next week and although I have not seen Conrad Price's video analysis, there are clearly areas which need our attention before we confront the Navy on 6 May". Squeezing the dry lemon successfully has clearly become a Hickling trademark! | |
First Army caps* were presented to
|
 Ledua Jope Army No 8 flies in for a try |
|
The Army Team was:
Post note: The Navy beat the RAF 43-6 Read the RAF match report at RAF Rugby Union Posted: 22 Apr 06 |
Post South Africa - Team for RAF match 19 Apr 06With the team safely returned from Cape Town, Andy Hickling held his final training day at Aldershot on Tuesday 11 April.   The players were still a little tired and battered from the training camp and the management certainly felt that they had made a wise decision in cancelling the Harlequin's fixture.   Hickling true to form still subjected the team to 3 hours physical and mental torture and following the session undertook the task that no coach or selector likes. He interviewed each squad member and informed them whether or not they had made the starting line up, the bench, retained to continue to fight for a place aginst the Navy or released as non-travelling reserves. The Army team to play the RAF is:
Players retained: Stone, Johnsone, Neume, Thompson, Lewies and Lacey Next match: RAF at Newbury on Wed 19 Apr   Posted: 13 Apr 06 |
1 TretheweySouth Africa Training Camp - 17 Mar - 7 Apr 06
Follow their progress
The Squad
Posted: 25 Mar 06 |
The
Senior Squad will be training in South Africa from 17 Mar - 7 Apr
06.Army (29) v London Welsh (5) - 14 Mar 06
The Army started strongly but after initial exchanges it was London Welsh how began to dominate possession and territory. The Army's defence held up well and looked extremely well organised and excellently marshalled by Daryl Slade Jones. The Army began to execute a number of well constructed phases and after a period of pressure and some outstanding forward drives the Army full back, Boka Viljeon, hit a magical line to allow the Army to take a 7 - 0 lead. The Army extended this lead to 14 points following a well-planned lineout and a magnificent storming run of some 30-meter by Ben Hughes. Sadly the Army conceded a soft try by a lapse in concentration and poor individual defence by the inside backs. Halftime score, Army 14 London Welsh 5.
The second half saw the Army slowly taking a strangle hold of the game dominating possession and territory. An early penalty and 2 further tries. One resulting from tremendous scrum pressure by Rob Scothern and a walk in by skipper Ed Smith after some great individual play by replacement fly half James Balfry. All in all a good evenings work. Andy Hickling is far too wise to get carried away and still found it necessary to berate and lecture the team under the goal post for 10 minutes after the final whistle until someone politely reminded him it was -2 degrees; nothing changes. One aim on goal - Victory Bring on the power bags, ice baths, and 3 of the most intense rugby weeks any player, at whatever level, will ever experience. Army Man of the Match - Rob Sugden Go to London Welsh Rugby Football Club at: www.london-welsh.co.uk/ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Army team was:
Next event: Training Camp in South Africa 17 Mar - 7 Apr 06 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In
there final game prior to departing on their training to South Africa
the Army fielded one of its strongest teams to date in this season's
Inter-Service campaign against a strong London Welsh XV. The Army
was most grateful to London Welsh for filling a gap in the fixture
programme at the 11th hour having had London Irish cancel the planned
fixture.
Army (43) v Lydney (24) - 7 Mar 06
On what can only be described as atrocious conditions with a dense fog descending over the Lydney pitch the Army came out of the blocks all guns blazing and quickly established a 17 - 0 lead. Recently returned players from Afghanistan, Sol Roko and Jope Ladua, were to the fore in most forays into enemy territory and it was the Army's enthusiasm and killer instinct that saw them pull away in the first 20 minutes. Sadly this pace was not maintained and Lydney were allowed back into the game. At half time the score saw the Army lead reduced to 17 -15.
During the half-time break Coach Andy Hickling informed the team that he was far from impressed and after a few choice words the Army began the second period as they started the first. In the end the Army ran out comfortable winners 43 - 24. Hickling took the opportunity to play many of the squad selected for South Africa who had not previously had much game time. All came through with flying colours. Army Man of the Match - James Balfrey Go to Lydney Rugby Football Club at: www.lydneyrfc.co.uk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Army team was:
The Army's last game prior to departure for South Africa is at home, in Aldershot against London Welsh who have indicated they will be fielding their First XV. Next match: London Welsh at Aldershot Monday 6 March 06 KO 1930hrs Come and wish the Army well prior to their departure on their training camp Posted: 9 Mar 06 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Following
on from the disappointment of the game against Oxford and the cancellation
of the fixture against Wasps, the Army were extremely grateful to
Lydney for filling a gap in the fixture programme at very short
notice. The game took on more significance given that the previous
week, Lydney had beaten the RAF (18-15).
'Reds' Mascots named - the search was successful!Our search for two 'Reds' mascots to lead the Army XV team onto the pitch at Twickenham for their match against the Navy on Saturday 6 May 2006 has been successfully concluded. The two Mascots chosen were:
We would like to thank all those who participated in our search - see you at Twickenham! Read more about the Mascot search Posted: 9 Mar 06 |
Army v Army - Whatever next!Andy Hickling was for once having a day away from rugby watching 2 games in the Power Gen semi finals in the Millennium Stadium when his mobile rang. Dia Davies the U20s coach had had the setback, and major disappointment of his game in the County Championships U20s competition cancelled at less than 24 hours notice. Dia realised that the Senior team was training in Aldershot prior to the planned U20s fixture and proposed to Andy a conditioned fixture, Senior XV against the U20s.  Andy Hickling agreed to the fixture and in what was a great event for Club Army both the Senior XV and the U20s were able to practice and rehearse defence and attack in serious playing environment, with situations determined by the coaching staff. The game was excellent refereed by John Cramb from the Army Referees Society, fully buying into what was required.
Andy Hickling speaking to all involved after a long and trying day that saw both teams undertake 2 hours training prior to a full 80 minutes contact congratulated the U20s on their organisation, enthusiasm but above all their skill and talent. He emphasised that this event should happen more often and that the continued success of Army Rugby was in the hands of the current crop of Army U20s. Afternote - The Army U20s team are now in the Quarter Finals of the County Championships many congratulations from the Senior XV to all involved, players Coaches and Management. Posted: 7 Mar 06 |
||||
Army (15) v Oxford (20) - 21 Feb 06Having named the squad to attend the training camp in South Africa the Army team went into the annual fixture against Oxford confident in securing their first victory of the season. In what proved to be a tremendously disappoint performance the Army could have no complaints at the end of what was a very frustrating evening. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Army forwards failed to get the better of what was a very young and inexperienced Oxford eight and the number of spilt balls by the three-quarters, with the try line at their mercy, does not bode well for the future. 
There is certainly a lot of work to be done if the Army are to defend their Inter service title this season and the confidence that had been gained from very good performances against Bristol and Gloucester seemed to count for very little. It was only the Army vice captain and seasoned prop forward Steve Trethewey that showed and fire or will to win. 
It would be interesting to be a fly on the wall, or an observer, at the next Army training session as a number of players will certainly have to step up to the mark or find their place in jeopardy for the next fixture. Army Man of the Match - Steve Trethewey Go to Oxford University Rugby Football Club at: www.ourfc.org Post note |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Army team was:
Next match: Wasps at Blackheath Monday 6 March 06 KO 1930hrs Posted: 3 Mar 06 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Army (42) v Bristol Shoguns (50) - 7 Feb 06
The power of the Bristol forwards was very evident in the early exchanges and the visitors soon established a commanding lead. It was not all one-way traffic and debutante centre, Phil Lewis, was able to seize on a loose ball and out sprint the Bristol defence to open the Army account. It was Naka who again demonstrated his tremendous talent, benefiting from some lovely skills by James Balfrey to score the Army's second try. 
Turning round with a score line of 33 to 14 in favour of Bristol the Army had a hard second period in front of them. It was the Army forwards who came to the fore in the second period and 2 replacement players, Joe Kava and Henry Nueme, imposed their power and muscle on the game. In what was a highly entertaining and high scoring second half, the final score saw Bristol run out winners 50 points to 42. It was again Naka Nacamavuto who proved the inspiration for the Army's fight back and it was his complete performance in attack and defence that saw him named as the Man of the match. 
Andy Hickling has a too wise a-head to get carried away at this early stage in his preparations but was happy to admit to being on track and where he would wish to be at this stage. He does admit that the high level of performance in the 3 games to date have given him major selection headaches and whereas he had intended to finalise the inter-service squad after this game he has had to delay this announcement until after the Oxford fixture. Man of the Match: Naka Nacamavuto The Army team was:
Next match: Oxford University at Oxford on Tue 21 Feb KO 1915 hrs Posted: 14 Feb 06 |
In
keeping with the policy already stated, Army coach, Andy Hickling
rang the changes against Bristol with 11 new players featuring in
the starting line up who had not participated in the previous fixture
against Gloucester. Also featuring in the starting line up were
11 uncapped players. Unlike Gloucester, Bristol brought a very strong
team to Aldershot with the majority of the players having regular
first team experience.
Army (22) v Gloucester (29) - 31 Jan 06 |
|||||||
After the disappointment of the cancellatio nof fixture against Cambridge, the Army team was desperate to get out of the blocks and hit the road running against Gloucester. In a team containing of no less than 8 uncapped players, of which a further 4 were replacements, the fixture certainly gave the players the opportunity to gain selection for the training camp in South Africa.
|
|||||||
|
Although Gloucester did not bring the big guns all their team were professionals and it was apparent after only 2 minutes, when Gloucester crossed for a try, that Army resources were going to be fully tested. Far from capitulation the Army new boys came through with flying colours in spite of the final result being 29 points to 22 in favour of Gloucester. The Army gave a very creditable performance particularly given that it was the first time that the team had played together. Head coach, Andy Hickling, was pleased with individual performances but felt that team play has a long way to go. At times the Army looked a little disjointed but never lacking in commitment or desire. Particularly signalled out for good performances were Naka Nacamavacu and Kim Vuadreu. Army Man of the Match: Kim Vuadreu The Army team was: 1 Capt Mark Howard AFC Harrogate |
|||||||
See Gloucester RFU web site at www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk Posted: 2 Feb 06 |
Army v Cambridge University - 23 Jan 06 | |
|
After two days intense training the Army team were beaten not by Cambridge, but by the weather. Hickling and Stewart, the Army coaches, were highly impressed by the skills and commitment shown by the squad over the 2 days training prior to the fixture. The abundance of new talent was very heartening, encouraging for the season ahead, but above all tremendously exciting for the future of Army Rugby. Had the game gone ahead 10 uncapped players would have featured in the Army 22. All will now have to wait until next week to demonstrate their skill with Hickling announcing an unchanged line up. Get down to Aldershot to see the Army seek revenge over Gloucester for that last minute defeat at Twickenham in the Middlesex the Sevens last August. Tuesday 31 Jan Aldershot KO 1830hrs |
 
|
Posted: 27 Jan 06 | |
Welcome back all, one aim one goal - Inter-service champions
2006
| |
In 16 Jan 06 - over 60 invited rugby players arrive in Aldershot to find Hickling refreshed and more determined than ever, (retirement, never) to get on with the job to be done and it starts right here! The elite players are taken away by newly appointed conditioning coach, Gareth Thomas (no relation to the physio), who sets out the stall for the season with a multi stage fitness test, followed by a skills session in the most unpleasant of conditions. |
 |
The uncapped players aspiring to break into the Army squad are put through there paces by Hickling and newly appointed forwards coach Mattie Stewart.
A team is selected and in all 30 uncapped players are given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills against the Army Veterans team. In what was a resounding success of a trail, Hickling and his selectors were able to name an initial squad for the inter service campaign that contains no less than 16 uncapped players. Hickling is excited at the prospect of having at his disposal not only one of the best prop forwards in the premiership, 2 players who are representing their countries at the commonwealth games in the Sevens competition, one as captain, a full Fijian international, a player with a European cup winners medal, and no less than 9 players playing division 1 rugby. Posted: 12 Jan 06 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Squad - 2005-06 SeasonThe Squad selected for training in South Africa is given on the Cape Dispatches page. (List as at 17 Mar 06)
The following were deselected as of 22 Feb:
Come and support your team the Army on its quest for a sixth successive inter service title. Many of the games are at home this year so get to Aldershot and see top class rugby in a great environment: Route plan to Twickenham
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23
Jan Cambridge away 1930 hrs- cancelled due to frostWant to Lead the Reds out at Twickenham?Mascot wanted to lead the Army XV out onto the pitch at Twickenham This year the Army Rugby Union is offering the chance for a child (under 10) from a British Army family to act as mascot to the Army team for the clash against the Navy on 6th May 2006 |
|
|
The lucky person who is selected will receive the following:
The Mascot will also:
|
 Army XV winners of the Army v Navy match 2005 |
Closing date: 28 February 2006 The lucky person selected will be informed in March 2006 and may be requested
to appear in promotional articles for military publications. Posted: 15 Dec 06 |