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| Revised on: Thursday, 21 June, 2007 | |
Falklands Anniversary Rugby Match
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Falklands Task Force Rugby XV (33)
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 Sir Claude Auchinleck |
By more than coincidence the Penguins International RFC enjoys a sound military pedigree. The founding President was Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, the man who brought the German Afrika Corps to a standstill in North Africa in 1942. His successor was Britain's most famous fighter ace Sir Douglas Bader and the seventh President, Sir William Purves, although a professional banker, was the only national serviceman to be awarded the DSO for gallantry. |
 Sir William Purves |
Enough history for this was a great occasion with a cracking game of rugby thrown in for good measure. Despite the high scoring draw, there were enough off the ball shenanigans to convince a fair size crowd that this was far from a contrived result
For the Task Force the Navy's wing Josh Drauninui and the Army's Peceli Nacamavuto RE caught the eye carrying the ball with great speed down the Penguins flanks. Martin Lacey RA, on this evidence restored to his electrifying best was difficult to stop.
 Darren Ball |
 Peceli Nacamavuto |
The sight of Army prop Steve Trethewey bursting 40m down the middle was definitely reminiscent of the Task Force steaming into San Carlos Water whilst RAF veteran forwards Peter Taylor and Howard Parr were all you would want from the big men on your side. Until he met a haymaker Darrell Ball was having a superb game in the loose and was unlucky not to run in 5 points in the first half.
Steve Trethewey bursting 40m down the middle
The Penguins fielded Worcester Warrior's Nicky Griffiths at scrum half-probably a major contender for Man of the Match. Watch out for the name in this coming season's Premiership and maybe on the representative stage.
During the match five players who had fought with the Falklands Task Force put in cameo appearances. Jim Fowers gave his 'oppo' a five minute lesson in scrum power whilst 'Livvy' Livingstone at scrum half, the only member of the Royal Navy on the park ever to have beaten the Army at Twickenham, may have added a stone and lost some hair but his tantalizing 'up-and-unders' brought back memories best forgotten by those that favour 'Red'.
This was a great event as part of the Falklands celebrations and a really good game of rugby. All the proceeds and those from the dinner in the evening were donated to the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982.
Falklands Task Force Rugby SquadMatt Cornish - RAF (Team Captain) Falklands Veteran Players Coaches: |
Penguin International RFCThe following players have confirmed their availability: Rod Moore (Calvisano and Australia) Coaches: |
Posted: 21 Jun 07
As this domestic rugby union season draws to a conclusion, the
Nation will mark the 25th Anniversary of the British Armed Forces
deployment to the Falkland Islands. Whilst the event will be a traditional rugby occasion, the theme is one of commemoration and remembrance to honour the 255 men of the Task Force and the 3 Falkland Islanders killed before the Royal Marines were once again able to raise the Union Jack over Government House in Port Stanley. In addition, 777 men were wounded in action, many of whom struggle to lead a normal life. The efforts of the Task Force - in atrocious sub-Antarctic weather conditions - can be summarised as follows: "In seven weeks a Task Force of 28,000 men and over 100 ships was assembled and sailed 8000 miles. It fought off combat aircraft that outnumbered its own by six to one. It put 8500 men ashore on a hostile coast and fought several pitched battles against the enemy. And brought them to surrender within three and a half weeks" Tickets are available from just £5 for children and £10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online from Quins official website - www.quins.co.uk - or by calling the clubs ticket office on 020 8410 6000. See more about the match at www.falklandstaskforcerugby.com 
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The
liberation of the islands will be commemorated with a rugby match
and a fund raising dinner at the Twickenham Stoop. All proceeds
will be donated to the