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Thames Water ARU Premiership Cup Final
15 March 2007 at Aldershot
2 R Welsh (22) v 23 Pnr Regt RLC (12)

2nd Royal Welsh Premeirship First

Photographer: Roger Thompson

On a bright and sunny spring day the Army Rugby Stadium at Aldershot was packed for the ARU Cup Final between 2 R Welsh and 23 Pnr Regt RLC. Although both sides had finished second in their Premiership pools they had won through to the final in convincing style.

The first half was a tense affair with the early exchanges being dominated by the R Welsh pack. Despite losing Army player Pte Delaitamana early on the R Welsh pack scrummaged well and Cpl Llewellyn and LCpl Chorley dominated both the Welsh and 23 Pnr lineout. Starved of ball and with the boot of Welsh fly half LCpl Balfrey pinning them back in their own half 23 Pnr's playmaker fly half LCpl Shaza was unable to get his dangerous looking back division going.

Although the skill of the 23 Pnr full back Pte Baleisuva and winger LCpl Swann looked threatening in flashes, the lacked real penetration. 23 Pnr's offences were also being punished by LCpl Balfrey who kicked four penalties, this included one from inside his own half, and the Welsh went in at half time 12-0 up.

There were honourable mentions for Pte Kava and LCpl Bativagone but the man of the match award went to LCpl Balfrey for his kicking display. 23 Pnr Regt RLC put up a strong showing in their first ever Army Cup Final; but in the centenary year of the Army Cup 2 R Welsh, in the first full year of the regiments existence, started a R Welsh tradition that continued a tradition that saw their antecedent regiments win the cup 21 times of the 90 times it had previously been played for.

Man of the Match - Lcpl J Balfrey

Posted: 16 Mar 07

7 RHA (13) v 2 R Welsh (11)
17 Jan 07 at Colchester

Reporter: Matthew Crisp

The following minutes saw 7 Para RHA constantly relieving pressure only to again be forced back into their 22 by accurate tactical kicks from the R WELSH. However, solid forward drives eventually allowed 7 Para RHA to escape their half. The subsequent period displayed excellent ball retention by 7 Para RHA, who work through constant phases using backs and forwards. 2 R WELSH defended tenaciously but became increasingly stretched allowing 7 Para RHA to move the ball wide and exploit an overlap for their first try by Gnr Bosman (wing). Bdr Lacey converted (7 Para RHA 7 - 2 R WELSH 0).

2 R WELSH came back immediately. They used the wind well to give them field position before moving the ball wide to also score in the corner. Unfortunately, they were unable to convert (7 Para RHA 7 - 2 R WELSH 5).

A period of concerted pressure followed from 2 R WELSH. 7 Para RHA forwards worked hard to push up the field against the wind but mistakes and fine kicking meant that 2 R WELSH quickly regained the initiative. Inevitably a penalty against 7 Para RHA saw 2 R WELSH convert the pressure to points though a fine kick from their No 10 (7 Para RHA 7 - 2 R WELSH 8).

The remainder of the half continued in a similar vein but despite a long distance penalty attempt from the R WELSH it concluded without further score.

The start of the second half was initially quiet. However, as the half continued and the score remained the same things became increasingly tense and exciting. Though mistake ridden there were also flashes of brilliance from both sides. However, notably 7 Para RHA were unable to make the wind advantage count, not least because of excellent work by the R WELSH back three who and ran and kicked impressively out of defence.

Midway though the half the sides exchanged penalties (7 Para RHA 10 - 2 R WELSH 11) then as the pressure built, and 7 Para RHA became increasingly desperate, the R WELSH defended steadfastly but also attacked out of defence. Finally, with only minutes to go 7 Para RHA were awarded a penalty just inside the R WELSH half. Bdr Lacey stepped up and converted to send 7 Para RHA into a lead from which the R WELSH were unable to recover in the limited time remaining (7 Para RHA 13 - 2 R WELSH 11).

Essentially an extremely hard and fairly fought match which, despite the conditions, saw much impressive open rugby as well as flowing phases of forward play. Either side could have taken the victory.

Posted: 19 Jan 07

7 RHA (35) v 2 Yorks (GH) (0)
22 Nov 06 at Colchester

Reporter: Matthew Crisp

On a damp and overcast day, 7 RHA started the match well placing 2 Yorks under significant pressure in their 22. However, they could not make this count and a series of penalties allowed 2 Yorks to relieve the pressure. No sooner had they done so though than a sweeping backs move out wide saw LBdr Lacey carve through the defence before off loading to Gnr Delamola who nearly breeched the line. However, despite determined defence after a brief ruck Lt Chapman crashed over. Lacey converted (7-0).

2 Yorks were determined and fought back immediately; for a time camped in the 7 RHA half but they were also unable to make this tell.

The game then ebbed and flowed becoming scrappy at times as the rain came. However, 7 RHA were able to again apply the pressure though this was again relieved due to a number of penalties (offside) which saw two 7 RHA players yellow carded. Unsurprisingly this saw a 2 Yorks resurgence. Once again though they were unable to capitalise and with 7 RHA back to full strength they drove deep into 2 Yorks' territory to earn a penalty which they were unable to convert as the half time whistle went.

Following half time 7 RHA really got into their stride as their fitness and strength in the pack began to tell. 7 RHA penetrated through successive phases which combined rolling mauls and expansive back play, despite the conditions. Eventually an impressive passage of play and numerous phases saw 2 Yorks drawn off-side (2 Yorks yellow card). Lacey converted the penalty (10-0).

The final quarter of the match saw 2 Yorks begin to struggle and become increasingly frustrated. This resulted in another yellow cards and finally a red for them (none foul play related). Then some impressive 7 RHA back play resulted in a line out close in followed by a catch and drive move to produce a try for Sgt Norman with a similar situation bringing a second for LBdr Brammer. Finally, the backs got in on the act and were rewarded for their endeavours through a try for Gnr Bosman (replacement) and then Gnr Delamola.

In summary, a very convincing win for 7 RHA 35 - 0 (6 tries). Lots of good expansive rugby despite a miserable day. Close until half time but 7 RHA ran away with it during second half.

Posted: 23 Nov 06