Sappers Win the Community Shield 2007
36 Engineer Regt RE (30) v 2 Logistic Support Regiment RLC (10)

36 Engineer Regt RE won a fascinating contest against 2 Logistic Support Regiment RLC in the Thames Water Community Shield final in Aldershot on Wednesday Afternoon - 13 March 2007.

In the fitting setting of the Army Rugby Stadium and played in spring like conditions 36 Engr Regt got off to a great start with an attack to the right hand corner only for the full back Montgomery to spurn the chance when he took contact instead of passing to his winger Korologa who was un-apposed outside.

2 LSR were never out of the match and spurred on by skipper Nick Galle and some considerable effort from no 8 Alofi, they created good chances through full back Stringeon and wing Partridge, eventually however the heavier 36 Engr Regt pack which was excellently lead by veteran no 8 Lou Snook started to exert influence and began to make the hard yards which produced the space in which to launch attacks. The scoring was opened by a Stringeon penalty when 2 LSR had strayed offside at a ruck, tries followed and when Snook scored from a push over to make the half time score 15-0 It appeared that 2 LSR were on their way to a comprehensive defeat.

However the Second half started with two quick fire tries from 2 LSR which though unconverted brought the score back to 15-10, but the momentum could not be kept up and once again 36 exerted the control that they knew was essential if they were to negate the fast runners of 2 LSR, once the go forward was re-introduced by the forwards a further 3 tries followed including a great effort by winger Korolaga who had an excellent match. The final score was 30 pts -10 to 36 however this does not reflect the true nature of the match which had a determined 2LSR team fight for every inch and they can be proud of their effort, they now look towards their Boxing team to take the silverware back to Gutersloh when they compete in Aldershot for the Army title on Thursday 15 Mar.

As a footnote the match was played in a great spirit and perfect conditions and was ably controlled by RAF referee Andy Rolfe.