BA(G) Rugby Singapore 2006
4-5 November 2006

BA (G) Rugby has returned from a successful 59th Singapore International Seven aside competition, widely acknowledged as the leading rugby 7's tournament outside of the IRB International arena. A quarterfinal place in the main competition being knocked out by a professional Hong Kong squad produced history for the Germany based soldiers that occasionally play rugby. Several countries used the tournament to prepare for the new International season and the subsequent draw was unkind to BA (G) putting them into the group of death.

Group B saw BA (G) having to play against professional teams from Northern Transvaal Blue Bulls, Singapore and New Zealand club champions Ponsonby. Skipper L/Cpl Jim Tuitubou SDG, certainly had his team fired up for an 0800hrs start against the Blue Bulls, playing power rugby in attack and defence, the Blue Bulls found themselves 21-0 down in the first half with the Afrikaners still in their beds. Hldr Vimataki 4 Scots, produced an excellent individual performance by scoring a fine solo try and finishing a good team score. L/Bdr Qarau 12 Regt RA, L/Cpl Lewavakula 4 Scots and Pte Raloka 1 Bn REME, assisted their captain with fine defensive performances. The Blue Bulls did retaliate in the 2nd half though it was never enough to win the game and BA (G) were worthy winners 31-21.

Singapore presented a different challenge and the squad was rotated to save energy for future matches, debutants L/Cpl Tikomailepanoni 26 Regt RA, Pte Robanakadavu 2 LSR and Gnrs Koro & Rokoduru all made their debuts to produce a solid 26-0 victory. The foundation for victory was patience in possession and pressure defence, the Singaporeans were unable to match BA (G)'s physicality.

Finally having qualified for the main knock out stage, Ponsonby stood in the gun sights of the determined soldiers. Unfortunately Hldr Vasukiwai 4 Scots, was forced out of the competition with a rib injury, losing such an experienced campaigner and main playmaker disrupted BA(G) significantly. In a fierce match that had the crowd on their feet, Ponsonby won by four scores to three, the lead changed hands four times. Ponsonby with two All Black 7's players just had the edge despite fine showings from L/Cpl Wakawaka 16 Tks and Pte Lilo 1LSR. The end of a long day saw the value of Capt Anna Vennart's presence from Gütersloh Rehab Unit, all the players required treatment late into the night to get them on the field for Sunday.

Sunday saw Palmyra the Western Australian state champions stand in BA(G)'s way, a comprehensive 28-7 victory was achieved, with Hldr Tamailebo 4 Scots switching to the wing putting in a strong performance after a rebuke from the Coach. A fine all round display produced history for BA(G) and a main competition quarter final place. Palmyra showed what a strong side they were by winning the Plate Final defeating Randwick the leading Australian team and both Japan and USA Eagles on the way.

Hong Kong stood in BA(G)'s way and a semi final against the Fijian Army, two early unforced errors saw Hong Kong an emerging International team on the 7's circuit take a 10-0 lead. The next 10 minutes saw BA(G) play their best 7's in the past 5 years. BA(G) stormed back with Tuitubou ably assisted by his lieutenants Raloka and Lewavakula taking the lead 15-10, unfortunately another unforced error in the last seconds saw Hong Kong win 17-15. So near yet so far.

In the remainder of the Main Competition Ponsonby destroyed both the British Army and South Africa Development team to reach the final, where they came from behind to reverse last years final and beat the Fijian Army. The Bowl and Jug Finals went to Thai Barbarians and Turumi both invitation teams.

L/Bdr Qarau was named BA(G)'s player of the tour and top tourist went to the squads Florence Nightingale Capt Anna Vennart.

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