VT Corps Finals Day
Wed 7 Mar 07 - Aldershot Stadium
Reporter: James P Cook
The end of the VT Corps season was marked
by the playing of the Corps final between the RE and RLC and the
promotion relegation match of the AAC v AGC. The sun shone and playing
conditions were very good which allowed the mornings game to be
a festival of running rugby.
VT Corps plate match
Army Air Corps (24) v Adjutants
Generals Corps (34)
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Watched by a crowd of about 100 people, the score at the end of
80 mins was 24 points all, so the AGC and AAC went into 20 mins
of extra time. There was still very little between the two teams,
but the difference turned out to be the experienced leadership of
the AGC. Maj Miles Hyman and Maj Howard
Graham controlled the game and led from the front.
The AGC eventually scored a further 10 points and were eventual
winners 34-24. Thus, we look forward to welcoming the AGC into League
1 of the VT championship next season, and say a fond farewell to
the AAC who had a great season. We look forward to seeing them in
the same match next season.
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Man of the match - Maj Miles Hyman
AGC for his leadership and grip of his team when most needed |
VT Corps finals
Royal Engineers (20) v Royal Logistic Corps (15) |
The second match of the day saw the RE take on the defending
Corps champions the RLC. Introduced by the band and drums of the
RLC the teams set to each other in a hard and direct game of rugby.
Half time was reached at 10 points all and the nail biting continued
up until the last 15 mins when the RE had secured a 5 point lead.
However, this didn’t deter the RLC from camping on the RE
line for a good 8 mins in an effort to score the winning try. The
points never came and the RE won 20 points to 15.
Man of the match - Cpl Ball,
who, having recovered from knee surgery only recently, out in an
outstanding back row display. |
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 Royal Engineers Rugby Union Team - Winners of the VT Corps League 2007
See more pictures and team details on www.sapperrugby.com
The next Corps fixture will be the Inter
Corps one day festival in September2007 at Aldershot, date yet to
be announced.
Posted: 13 Mar 07
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RA (30) v REME (6)
13 Dec 06 - Larkhill
Reporter: James P Cook
In all honesty, this wasn't a good game of rugby. It was certainly a windy day and this didn't help the running rugby, but neither team really sparked and there was little evidence of good rugby on display.
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Saying that, there was full commitment and some dogged rucking and mauling, but it took until the 60th minute for a proper game of rugby to break out.
After 11 minutes the RA slotted a penalty from short range, before the REME returned the favour after another 9 minutes, however it wasn't until just before half time, when the REME defence had a wobble and let in two tries against the run of play. The half time score was 13 -3 to the RA.
A half time the RA visibly reinforced their pack with three heavy weights taking the field. With the wind on their backs the REME made a strong start to the half and had the majority of possession, however they simply couldn't turn territory into points. Eventually the REME did force the pressure mistake and the RA gave away a silly penalty that the REME duly converted.
It was then some inspirational work from the RA skipper, LBdr Slade-Jones
(47 Regt RA) that created a great individual try and conversion
that put the RA 20 - 6 in front.
The REME responded with yet more pressure on the RA try line, and missed some
golden opportunities of scoring. Then in the 75th minute the RA
linked together some wonderful inter play to create the try of the
match taking the lead to 25 - 6. It was the RA prop Gnr
Lesicobia (19 Regt RA) who both started the move from his
own 22, then linked in twice more for the eventual scoring pass
to be made. A superb effort from the prop and a typical contribution
that made him the RA man of the match. It was somewhat unjust that
the RA then scored again in the final minutes to get a 30 - 6 final
margin of victory.
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Gnr Momoivala (19 Regt RA) had another strong performance scoring a good poachers try, as did the team captain Slade-Jones. Gnr Artmitage (14 Regt RA) had a strong game at hooker, where his line out work was very good. Capt Dan Trim (47 Regt RA) again had a solid performance in the lose, working hard for 80 minutes in the back row.
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Tries for:
Gnr Momoilava (19 Regt RA)
Lt Huxston (19 Regt RA)
LBdr Slade-Jones (47 Regt RA)
Gnr Seruisavou (3 RHA)
Gnr Lesicobia (19 Regt RA) Man of the match
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Conversion:
Lt Coe (4 Regt RA)
Penalty:
Lt Coe (4 Regt RA) |
The Gunners now look forward to the final round of matches, where winner takes all against the RE for a place in the final against the RLC. |
REME (23) v AAC (0)
15 Nov 06 - Arborfield
Reporter: REME Rugby
This game was played in dry but windy and overcast conditions at the home of the REME in Arborfield. Both teams got off to a good start but the REME forwards quickly established themselves as the stronger pack with the AAC posing its biggest threat out wide.
REME put the aviators under early pressure with strong rucking and unrelenting support play in contact. The AAC had an early set back when one of its promising backs was stretchered off with a dislocated knee, which thankfully popped back in at pitch side. The REME wasted several scoring opportunities due to some questionable handling and too much spilt ball in the tackle. After several attempts at goal, SSgt Spence Whitely opened up the scoring with a penalty kick about 15 mins into the game. The AAC defended well but rarely ventured into the REME's half in the first 30 mins.
Both teams suffered from spilt ball and frequently gave away penalties
for holding on to the ball on the ground. REME was awarded a penalty
for hands in the ruck, but quickly had it reversed due to taking
the law into its own hands. The REME No8 Cfn Reef Cakau
had some probing runs from that back of the scrum which put the
AAC defence under extreme pressure. This culminated in a penalty
to REME, which was kicked to touch 15 mtrs from the AAC try line.
An excellent catch in the follow up lineout by LCpl Nic
Steynberg led to a well controlled drive to the line by
the REME forwards which led to the first unconverted try of the
game scored by Skipper, Sgt Steve Drawbridge after
28 mins.
The REME Lock, LCpl Nic Steynberg was unlucky not to score after an excellent punt through the AAC defence which he chased deep into the opposition's 22 mtr before being gathered and cleared by the AAC fullback. The AAC quickly retaliated with an interception of a REME pass which took the AAC deep into REME territory and was only thwarted by a AAC knock on at the end of the move.
The closing minutes of the first half saw the REME No 8 make a strong
break from a scrum that was won against the head, which he used
to create space for the REME left wing Cfn Vukitabua
to run in the second unconverted try in the left hand corner. Throughout
the first half the AAC pack struggled to contain the REME rucking
game. However, their backs always looked threatening but were plagued
with handling errors caused by REME pressure, particularly Cfn Tam
Anitoakuli whose thumping tackles continually thwarted
the AAC attack.
The 63 min brought the third REME try, which was almost a rerun
of the first with a REME lineout that followed a penalty for the
AAC being off side, being kicked into touch and LCpl Nic
Steynberg once again catching the ball to set up a driving
maul that was too much for the AAC defence and allowed Sgt 'Bully'
Bull to touch down another unconverted try. Bully
also scored the fourth and final unconverted try in the 75 min after
another overwhelming driving maul by the REME pack.
A REME driving maul on the AAC try lineThe AAC played courageously until the final whistle with several scorching attacks that were defended against with ferocity by REME. The two sets of backs enjoyed similar amounts of service from their packs. However, it was the REME forwards that exploited the AAC's scrums and line outs, showing grit and determination in broaching the AAC try line three times with driving mauls. Man of the match for me was the REME's Cfn Tam Anitoakuli whose thumping tackles continually thwarted the AAC attack.
Posted: 18 Nov 06
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RLC (22) v RE (10)
15 Nov 06 - Chatham
Reporter: Sapper Rugby
The Sappers welcomed the present Corps league champions the Royal
Logistic Corps to Chatham on a mild overcast November afternoon.
We knew this was going to be one tough encounter and the 'Loggies'
didn't disappoint!
The Sappers kicked off playing left to right up the slight slope
and immediately were on the backward march with the RLC making good
use of their effective rolling maul. The pressure in the first five
minutes was an opening ‘salvo' in a game that was played with pace,
skill and power. The RLC used the slight favourable breeze and kicked
into the corner for Ben Seru to call 'mark'. The
pressure continued and with the Sapper back row putting in some
thumping tackles led by Gareth Libbey the RLC continued
to camp deep in the Sapper half. After a missed penalty by the 'Loggies'
the Sappers suffered a number of injuries, Ali Alapiti
came off with a knee injury and Mark Eastley was
replaced for the first of five blood bins, a reflection of the intensity
that the game was being played at. After 19 minutes the RLC caught
the ball from a left hand line out and spun it wide, Adi
Stander was forced to carry over and after three reset
scrums the RLC pushed over to score the first points of the game.
With the conversion good the RLC lead 0 - 7.The RLC pressure did
not let up, more driving mauls followed and the Sappers found it
very difficult to get out of their own half, however after 30 minutes
they put together a good set of recycled rucks and eventually started
to put pressure on the visitors line. Rich Orzel
and Adi Stander however could not get through a
well structured defence. Referee Steve Prest had
played 6 minutes injury time when the RLC got possession and kicked
deep into the Sapper 22, from the lineout they caught and drove
over the line and with the conversion led at halftime 0 - 14.
The RLC started the second half and we all knew the next score
was critical, it was the Sappers that started well and spent the
first ten minutes probing the RLC defence, however a number of handling
errors and big hits saw the RLC regain possession; working into
the Sapper far corner they squeezed over for their third try, was
this the killer blow, Skipper Garry Windle didn't
think so, he rallied his troops for more, and the Sapper backs started
to see more of the ball. Both teams were feeling the tempo of the
game; the Sappers were desperate for their first points, the RLC
looking for more to seal the game. As the game started to loosen,
bodies were strewn all over the famous United Services Chatham pitch.
It was Rich Bull that eventually crossed the line
for the Sappers first points, however Justin Rodgers
failed to convert, 5 - 19. The RLC converted a penalty, 5 - 22 and
with 10 minutes to go we all thought that was that, Garry
Windle had other ideas, the home side continued to push,
RLC defended for their all, hit after hit, not a backward step,
Forward Ian Black finding himself in the 'threes'
having replaced Mark Eastley crashed over from
5 yards (Blackie will tell you it was 20 though!)
to put some respectability to the score; 10 - 22. That was that
and two exhausted teams finally shook hands after 95 minutes of
great rugby.
Congratulations to the 'Loggies' on a fine performance, a well
drilled pack and solid defence; the Sappers can take strengths from
defeat though. With Darrell Ball playing his first
rugby for us for over 16 months, Andy Pritchard
giving a solid performance at replacement 9 we look forward to meeting
them in the final for a rematch in March 07. If it’s anything like
this then those at Aldershot are in for a treat. We will get better
and move forward, next game is against the Army Air Corps at Larkhill
on the evening of Wed Dec 13th. Watch out...
See pictures and team details on www.sapperrugby.com
Posted: 17 Nov 06
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RA RFC (22) v RLC RFC (29)
25 Oct 06 - Deepcut
Reporter: James P Cook
On a perfect rugby day the RLC and RA stepped onto the pitch to compete for the Fernyhough Trophy. The teams had last met in the previous season final in which the RLC had triumphed.
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The opening few minutes were frantic, and after 8 mins Gnr Tupou (19 Regt RA) scored a try to the left of the posts having brushed off two tackles. Maj Dave Blackburn stepped up to take the conversion, and started a trend for the day, with an awful toe poke of an effort. Bizarrely, with excellent kickers on both sides, the level of tactical and place kicking was on a par with my Grandmother's, and she is asthmatic!
However, this marked the last chance for the RA for about another 50 mins play, as the RLC started to dominate the tight and set about using their formidable rolling maul. It wasn't pretty, but it was mighty effective.
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First Sgt Mal Roberts slotted an easy penalty, followed in quick succession by tries for WO2 Collins (prop) and LCpl Waniqola (prop), both were successfully converted by Mal Roberts.
At this stage the frustration started to show and the penalties mounted. It was almost inevitable that Gnr Dowding (14 Regt RA) was shown the yellow card for technical infringements. Down to 14 men the RA hung on till half time, with Mal Roberts kicking another two penalties, making the half time score 26 - 5.
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Whatever was said at half time to the RA certainly worked, they started the second half full of pace and vigour, which meant that they would not allow the RLC to get their hands on the ball. 13 mins into the 2nd half Gnr Momoiavalu (19 Regt RA) made a wonderful wingers try, dancing down the left hand touchline, Maj Dave Blackburn converted.
More indiscipline fro the RA led to a second yellow card for LBdr Lotuwa and his dismissal from the pitch, the RLC immediately capitalised and converted another penalty. However, almost immediately Gnr Momoiasvalu scored another well worked try, before completing his hat trick with only 9 mins left to play. Sadly neither try was converted, which led to the final score of 29 - 22.
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It was a match of tow half's, RLC power mauling v RA slight of hand and speed in the backs. However, the overall level of rugby was patchy and not a true reflection of the capabilities of either side. |
Notable performances came from the RLC Captain, Andy Geary who dominated the lineout, and when he had his breath back, was good in the lose, and from the hat trick scorer Gnr Momoiasvalu. The other point was the indiscipline of the RA forwards who coast their team over 20 penalties and at stages gave the RLC their territory.
I'm sure the two sides look forward to the remainder of the season and hope to meet in the Corps finals day, although I'm sure the RE will have plenty to say on the issue.
See more pictures and team details on www.gunnerrugby.com
Posted: 26 Oct 06
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RE (29) v REME (15)
25 Oct 06 - Chatham
Reporter: Sapper Rugby
Rejuvinated Skipper Garry Windle made it two wins
from two as the Sappers 'hung on' in the second half to defeat a
very spirited REME team led by Steve Drawbridge
at Chatham on Wednesday 25 October 2006. The Sappers went into the
game having beaten the Infantry well in the first game, the REME
had put up a spirited performance against the RLC, therefore a win
for both was crutial. The REME had a powerful pack and with 'Monster'
Howard in the front row life was not going to be easy for us. It was the Sappers that started well, carrying on from their last
game, welcoming back Ben Hughes, Ben Seru,
'Naka' Navacamuto and 'Boka' Viljeon.
The scrummages went with the feed and Ben Hughes showed his class
with some power running from the base of the scrum. The REME were
under pressure and on five minutes Mark Eastley
collected the ball from a line out and passed to Ben Seru
who displayed electric pace on the wing to score 5 - 0. Referee
Andy Cole penalised the REME on two occasions which allowed
Justin Rogers to slot two penalties to increase the lead
to 11 - 0. The REME were up for this one though and some good pressure
resulted with a well worked backs move that saw their centre crash
through the Sapper threes and score under the posts, 11 - 7.From
the restart Garry Windle called for another score
before half time and it was Naka and Ben
Seru that provided the goods with a well timed pass that
allowed Ben Seru to score close to the posts and
with the conversion good the Sappers led at half time 21 - 7.
Steve Drawbridge got the REME coming out of the
blocks well in the second half, Army 'vet' Cam Cameron
joined the front row and their forwards exerted great pressure on
the Sapper defence.Sapper Lock Joe Uluikedekede
was yellow carded for persistant infringement and it was during
this period that the REME capitalised with a penalty and a well
worked try from a catch and drive from the lineout to bring the
score to 21 - 15. It was all REME pressure, they continued to crash
the sapper defensive line that did a remarkable job to defend so
well, Ben Hughes left the field injured and with
Rich Warmington moving to 8 and Max Maxwell
coming on at prop the pressure held.With less than five minutes
to go the Sappers were awarded a penalty in their own 22, they worked
the ball to half way and from the lineout kept possession to move
the ball close to the REME '22' where referee Andy Cole
penalised the REME and replacement stand off Chris
Shorter slotted the points 24 - 15.The REME at last looked
a little jaded, so much pressure must have taken its toll... The
Sappers regained possession from the restart and it was Norm
Sparks playing his first game for two years that sealed
the game with a try close in. Final score 29 - 15. The Sappers had
a mighty scare in the second half, the REME team applied immense
pressure in the second half and must feel unlucky not to have come
away with the points, however a wins a win and we look forward to
welcoming the RLC to Chatham on Wednesday 15 November 2006.
See pictures and team details on www.sapperrugby.com
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RA (62) v AAC (5)
4 Oct 06 - Larkhill
Reporter: James P Cook
The first match of the VT Corps league set last year's runners
up, the RA, against the newly promoted AAC. On a splendid day and
on a perfect pitch the teams spent he first ten minutes smashing
chunks out of each other in an effort to establish some possession
and territory. In the early exchanges the AAC looked very strong
and spent plenty of time in the RA 22m. |
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| However, after 10 mins Gnr Logavatu
(47 Regt RA) slipped through the defence from a lineout and dived
over for the first score. Almost immediately, the AAC replied in kind
with a dynamic drive up the park, in which Maj Oli Cane
featured especially (he really should consider retiring soon). |
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As often happens, this just served to focus the RA who then drove
downfield to open up a lead that would never be closed when
Gnr Sevia (47 Regt RA) strode over from the centre. The
try was then successfully converted by Gnr Davies
(5 Regt RA).
At this stage, the RA captain started to impose himself, and the
individual skills and brilliance of LBdr Slade-Jones
(47 Regt RA) started to show around the base of the scrum. The Welsh
connection with stand off Gnr Davies certainly
added something the to the mix, as did inside centre Bdr
Leighton-Davis (47 Regt RA). |
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After only another 4 mins, Gnr Loganimore (19
Regt RA) strode over in the corner, finishing off a splendid series
of inter-passing. The try was again converted by Gnr Davies.
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| At the 32 min mark, Gnr Logavatu (47
Regt RA) had to work hard to force his way under the posts, for Gnr
Davies to convert again. There was still time to score again,
and against the run of play , LBdr Soaper (7RHA)
worked his way over from a lineout, marking an excellent return to
the Gunners. Thus at half time, the Gunners were leading 31 –
5, however the AAC were certainly no out of the match, and were continually
threatening the Gunner line. It was the power and pace of the RA back
line that enabled them to break the gain line, and get in behind the
Air Corps. |
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Within minutes of the re-start the Gunners had worked
Gnr Logavatu (47 Regt RA) over again, marking his second
try, successfully concerted by Gnr Davies. At this
stage the RA made the first of an eventual six substitutions, allowing
some fresh legs onto the pitch.
However, this started somewhat of a comeback from the AAC as they
worked their back row into contention, and started to dominate the
set piece. At this stage, the Air Corps were unlucky not to get
on the score sheet again, spending a good 5 mins camped on the Gunner
try line. |
| The accord was broken when LBdr Slade-Jones
(47 Regt RA) worked some Welsh magic and scored a well deserved try. |
| In the final quarter, there were scores for Gnr Ravonoa,
Quaro (12 Regt RA) and Gnr Momoivalu (19
Regt RA) leading to an eventual score of RA 62 – AAC 5.
However, whilst the score board looked one sided, the AAC were
never out of the match, they kept their composure and continually
threatened the Gunner line throughout the match. The fundamental
difference between the sides was the pace of the Gunner back line,
and their ability to get behind the Air Corps defence. |
 The Gunners - 4 Oct 06See more pictures and team details on www.gunnerrugby.com
Posted: 5 Oct 06
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RE (39) v Inf (7)
4 Oct 06 - Chatham
Reporter: Sapper Rugby
The Royal Engineers Rugby Club welcomed the Infantry Rugby Club to
the United Services Ground Chatham on a warm October afternoon for
what was for both teams their first league game of the season. The
Engineer side featured six new faces as once again they were without
their senior Army players. The Infantry team managed by
Steve Berryman struggle away from home and this was no
exception.
The Infantry kicked off and applied pressure on the Sapper line
for the first five minutes however breaks by Ves Vessels
and Kanna took the Sappers into the Infantry half and good forward
pressure saw the Sapper side awarded two penalties that fly half
Justin Rogers converted. 6 - 0. Further pressure
saw the forwards recycle good lineout ball by Joe U and a quick
pass wide saw Ant Williams go over in the right
corner. 11- 0. The Sappers continued to press and Kanna
touched down on 22 minutes and with the conversion good the half
time score was 18 - 0.
The second half started with the Sappers kicking off and playing
right to left, the Infantry were soon in trouble with a yellow card
for a high tackle and it wasn't long before Kanna
scored his second try and with a sucessful conversion saw the lead
stretch to 25 - 0. Ian Black replaced Mark
Eastley and Karl Abrahams came into the
centre. Both made an immediate impact with Karl Abrahams
producing a blistering run nearly making the try line, however it
was Ian Black that crashed over to score the Sappers
fourth try.32 - 0. The Infantry began to play better rugby and tested
the organisation of the Sapper line however it was Kanna
that again showed his electric pace to score his hat trick try and
with Justin Rogers adding the conversion pushed
the score to 39 - 0. As the game rushed towards 'no side' the Infantry
gave a last charge and broke through a disjointed Sapper defence
to score under the posts to take the final score to 39 - 7. Having
endured a frustrating season last year all of the Sapperrugby team
are determined to raise the standard this year, from the back room
staff to the coaches and the players the performance was a huge
improvement. Garry Windle displayed form from three
years ago and was an inspired skipper.
Next game against the REME at Chatham on the 25 Oct 06. Bring it on !
See pictures and team details on www.sapperrugby.com
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