Army Academy Match Reports
Season 2008-2009

Army U23's (19) v RAF U23's (3)
Halton - 22 Nov 08

The first Inter-service fixture of 2008 was against the RAF at their ground in RAF Halton. The weather was normal for November in Halton, windy and ice-cold, this was not going to dampen the Army side's spirits. The game started with the RAF the more positive and aggressive and it took the Army a while to find its authority in the game. Standing strong in defence and driving the RAF back on numerous occasions. The Army struck from deep inside their half, scrum half LCpl Tom Chennell, released Tpr Roko Rokoduguni, who broke the RAF defence, linked with centres Pte Junior Korobiau and Cfn Nick Clarke who in turn released Spr Sixs Railoa to score the opening try of the game. Roko converted. This seemed to wake up the Army side with attack after attack being hurled at the light blue defence, it was only for missed opportunities and bad decision making that the half time score was RAF 0 - 7 Army.

RAF U23's v Army U23's - 2008 scrum

After a stern talking to at half time from the coaching staff the Army started with greater pace and direction to set the stall for the remaining 40 minutes. Soon after kick off and some good phases of play by the Army forwards in particular Cfn Koms Komaisavai and Cpl Kris Chorley recycled good ball to set Roko free in midfield, against numerous RAF defenders, Roko seemed to glide in for a great individual try in the corner. The Army seemed to push the ‘self destruct’ button now and gave away easy yards to the RAF with successive penalties resulting in the Reds playing a majority of the second half with 13 men.

Victorious Skipper

Army U23s Team

16 Cfn Cameron McLaren 21 Engr Regt
17 Fus Gaz Smith 1 R Welsh
18 Cfn Ross Noakes 2 Bn REME
19 Tpr Leo Raravisa HCR
20 LCpl Jack McMurray QRH
21 Fus Kyle Simmonite 1 R Welsh
22 Pte Chris Ramwell 9 Sup Regt RLC

The Army stood up to the challenge and closed out every attack that was thrown at them. This showed the true strength, fitness and desire the coaching staff had requested. More fierce defence gave the Army a lineout on the RAF 10 metre line, Junior tidied some scrappy ball and linked with winger Pte Vee Vola who in turn released full back Spr Gus Qasevakatini to dive under the posts for the third and final try of the game. Roko converted.

After a hard and slightly nervous performance with plenty of wasted chances and turnovers conceded, the Army eventually ran out winners 19 – 3. This proved to be a good start to the Inter-services campaign and with all 22 Army players taking part, a solid platform was built. The Army need to improve their discipline and composure to stand a chance of beating the Navy and regaining the Inter-services championship.

Man of the match: Tpr Roko Rokoduguni

Posted: 15 Dec 08

Army U20s (10) v London Scottish Development (30)
Richmond - 6 Dec 08

The fixture against London Scottish Development side at Richmond was always going to be a massive challenge for the young men of the Army U20s. Still at the stage where players are being looked at in different positions and new players introduced, the time to prepare and gel the team was limited, however, challenges are there to be taken on.

Army U20s Team

1. OCdt Cappross – Midwood HMS Calliope
2. Cfn Horner SEME Bordon
3. Spr Salvage 36 Engr Regt
4. Pte Anthony 17 Port & Maritime Regt RLC
5. OCdt Jon Napier Queens OTC
6. Cfn Warbrick SEME Bordon
7. OCdt Marsden DTUS Southampton
8. Tpr Brown RAC Bovington
9. Gnr Thompson 12 Regt RA
10. Cfn Jones SEAE Arborfield
11. Cfn Hart SEAE Arborfield
12. OCdt Skingsley DTUS Loughbrough
13. OCdt Ewens HMS Calliope
14. Spr Nansoz 10 Fd Sqn RE
15. Pte Minton 3 PARA

16. OCdt Harris DTUS Loughbrough
17. Pte Arthur 60 CS Sqn RLC
18. Cfn Frazer SEME Bordon
19. Cfn Seale SEME Bordon
20. Pte Bennett 17 Port & Maritime Regt RLC
21. Gdsm Francis 1 Bn Welsh Guards
22. Gdsm French 1 Bn Irish Guards
23. OCdt McDonald DTUS Loughbrough

London Scottish stated their intent from the kick off, with an immensely powerful and resolute pack, the young Army side struggled from the start to compete in the tight. Following sustained pressure within the Army 22, London Scottish drew the Army defence in before passing the ball out wide to score in the left hand corner after 8 minutes. A well converted try saw London Scottish leading 7 - 0. The Army were unable to move out of their own half with Scottish dominating in all areas. On the 25 minute mark, the Scottish Fly Half broke through the Army defence off the back of a line out just inside the Army's half, to score a second try for Scottish, which was again converted. The continuous pressure sustained by the Army saw the third try of the game being scored in the corner just before the half time whistle. Unable to convert this one, the Army left the pitch bruised from this tough encounter for a rallying half time chat from the coaches, trailing by 19 points to nil.

Despite much gusto and enthusiasm by the Army, some loose handling within our own 22 was punished by the Scottish to concede an unconverted try 2 minutes into the second half. Not dropping their heads, the Army were re-surgent. With a tremendous amount of passion from the considerably smaller Army pack, phase after phase was recycled, and ground gained, resulting in Tpr Jake Brown scoring a well deserved try 5 minutes later.

Several substitutions were then made and the fresh legs and renewed vigour resulted in a more evenly balanced second half. Despite the Army's efforts the experience of the Scottish players soaked up wave after wave of penetrating drives and scored their 4th try 15 minutes in to the second half, which was converted.

In a tremendous display of spirit, fitness and determination the Army pressed the Scottish hard throughout the last 15 minutes of play. After hard fought over ground was gained by the Army pack, the ball was popped out for James Francis cut through the Scottish defence to score a well earned try.

The final whistle left a final score of London Scottish 31 – Army U20s 10. A deserved win for the bigger and more experienced talents of London Scottish Development side, but with much for the Army young guns to be proud of. Everyman gave his all with spirited performances, although of particular note was the irrepressible Taff Anthony, with Jake Brown being awarded man of the match.

Posted: 9 Dec 08

Army U23's (7) v Brive Espoirs (49)
Brive - 15 Nov 08

After a very physical week of training the squad was anxious and ready to play a very strong Espoirs side, who fielded a number of full capped, A capped and first team players. This was a test of the whole squad and a good end to the week. The focus of the training was the inter-services fixtures in the weeks to come, the team who took the field were outsized in stature by the opposition but as the first exchanges proved, their hearts were much bigger.

With a very strong scrum, and quick powerful backs, it took the Army no time to get their authority stamped in defense when Tpr Roko Rokoduguni put a stop to a flowing French attack with the first bone crushing tackle of the day. This set the stall for the first half where he was aided strongly by man of the match Cfn Nick Clarke. The forwards were hounded all game in the scrum but front row Gnr Kenny Dowding, Gnr Pete Farrow and LCpl Joe Baker, who had a tough day at the coal face showed time and time again the way forward for all to follow.

Espoirs reacted quickly at a penalty awarded just outside the Army 22 and shifted the ball wide to score in the corner for the first score of the game. This set alight the Army attack and when Spr Gus Qasevakatini received excellent first phase ball from scrum half LCpl Tom Chennell, he released Roko who split the Espoirs back line wide open. He then returned the favor to Gus who went over under the posts to draw the scores level. Roko converted. Espoirs now picked up the pace and looked to intimidate the Army squad. Intimidation was not going to work and this only ended up with the Army showing a true team spirit and standing toe to toe, back to back and looking after each other in testing times. Brive Espoirs scored two more tries to go in at the interval 17 - 7.

Army U23s Team

16 2Lt Andrew Cadogan R Mon RE
17 Cfn Cameron McLaren 21 Engr Regt
18 Fus Gaz Smith 1 R Welsh
19 LCpl Vance Paines 2 Fd Coy REME
20 Cfn Ross Noakes 2 Bn REME
21 OCdt Mark Squirrell Wales OTC
22 Sig Paul Osling 10 Sig Regt
23 Tpr Leo Raravisa HCR
24 Pte Scott Milton 3 Para
25 Fus Kyle Simmonite 1 R Welsh
26 Pte Chris Ramwell 9 Sup Regt RLC

The second half saw the Army ring the changes and bring on players hoping to impress the coaches for an inter-services start. The pack was now being led strongly by Cpl Kris Chorley and Cpl Dave Munson who both left no blade of grass untouched. All the Army's replacements had now taken to the pitch, LCpl Vance Paines stealing a lot of ball, Cfn Cameron McLaren and Fus Gaz Smith feeling the power of the French scrum and Tpr Leo Raravisa hitting hard in defence. The intense training carried out during the week was now showing in the Army teams legs, this did not stop the Army staying resilient in its task and game plan. With the primary job for the afternoon being defence, it was a very good, hard and thorough test for the Army U23's, against a side who were much older and experienced.

Man of the Match: Cfn Nick Clarke.

A week with British soldiers

Report from CA Brive website

Last week, soldiers of the British Army were back in Brive. The team arrived before lunch on Monday, they did not waste any time and as soon as they had eaten and digested their lunch they headed to the training pitches in Malemort: ‘la plaine des jeux des Bourriottes’.

The following day, Tuesday 11th November, they commemorated Armistice Day at the Stadium in the presence of CA Brive players as well as other local personalities and the public who wanted to pay their respects. The next day was a spent having a rest from rugby but carrying out team-building exercises at an activity centre in Sarlat, the team participate in paintballing, tree climbing and rope slides.

After the team building day the team returned to rugby. The rest of the week was spent doing more rugby training and a session of weight training to prepare for their match against the ESPOIRS, the match was played last Saturday at 1pm and was the pre-match entertainment ahead of the match Brive vs Clermont.

Despite their 46-7 defeat, the soldiers watched the local derby and then headed to the ESPACE for the after-match function and ate alongside the players and sponsors. The seemed to really enjoy the evening and the entertainment!

Dai Davies’s men will now focus on their next match against the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in the under 23’s category, this match will be played on 22nd November and 6th December respectively.

Posted: 20 Nov 08

Army U23's (47) v Cambridge University (3)
Cambridge - 2 Nov 08

After the defeat at Worcester, it was important to get the mind set ready for the Inter-service competition just around the corner. All players were now putting their hands up for a start in the competition. With the downpours in Aldershot and a hard couple of days training prior to the match, it was onto Grange road in Cambridge to play the Cambridge University LX Club.

The game started with a lot of turnover ball, re setting of set pieces and a strong physical presence at the breakdown. Pte Junior Korobiau and Cfn Nick Clarke ran strong up the middle of the field and began to set good platforms for the team to build on. Good pressure was also applied to the opposition by Cpl Dave Munson and Cfn Ross Noakes causing turnovers and mistakes by the Cambridge attack. The pressure took its toll and a break by Cfn Nick Clarke put Tpr Roko Rokoduguni in the clear to score under the posts. Spr Jake Woodcock converted. The remainder of the half saw a lot of lose ball and turnover but the Army defence stayed strong. The only reply from the hosts came when persistent pressure on the Army try line caused an infringement on the floor and Cambridge took 3 points to make the half time score Cambridge University LX Club 3 – 7 Army U23s.

Army U23s Team

16 2Lt Andrew Cadogan R Mon RE
17 Gnr Matt Jones 14 Regt RA
18 OCdt John Napier Queens OTC
19 LCpl Jack McMurray QRH
20 OCdt Mark Squirrell Wales OTC
21 LCpl Tom Chennell 7 Bn REME
22 Pte Vee Vola 44 Sqn RMAS
23 Spr Gus Qasevakatini 3 RSME

With the game now coming to an end the Army still showed a desire to attack when the opportunity came. Following another set piece, scrum half Sig Paul Osling linked with Komaisavai, Vola and debutant winger, Spr Sixs Railoa scored a very well rounded off try showing pace and outstanding footwork to evade the remaining defenders and score under the posts. Roko converted. Cambridge attacked in the dying quarter testing the army line which stood strong.

A very strong performance, setting up the following weeks Inter-services Training Camp in Brive.

Final score: Cambridge University XL Club 3 – 47 Army Under 23s

Posted: 7 Nov 08

Army U23's (12) v Worcester Academy (43)
13 Oct 08

With victories previously to Cardiff University and RMAS it was a much sterner challenge in Sixways to face Worcester Academy. The setting was a sample of professional rugby, after a good couple of days training and preparation the team were ready for the challenge.

Straight from the kick off we were awarded a lineout and gained good ball to release Pte Junior Korobiau who made in roads into the Worcester defense and get behind them early on. The Army didn’t capitalize on this opportunity and turned the ball over on numerous occasions, The Army paid the price for giving numerous penalties away and were pinned back in their own 22. Good defense around the base of the scrum from scrum half LCpl Tom Chennell and OCdt Mark Squirrell eased the pressure for short periods of time but it was Full back Fus Dave Harding-Prior who had to cover every inch of the Army 22, with the Worcester stand off pushing the ball delicately into the corners and high into the air to test his resolve, along with last ditch tackles on the line he dealt with them well time and time again. Loose kicking from the Army back line though did not release pressure when required and Worcester scored some very good tries through good strong running, clean offloads and quality in all areas. They showed true class and led at half time with a score of Worcester Academy 31 – 0 Army U23s.

Army U23s Team

The second half showed the Army with a different attitude and less intimidated by the occasion. After spoiling ball at the lineout Pte Vee Vola picked up the lose ball and released Spr Vee Veikuni who raced clear from 40 yards to score the Army’s first try of the night. Harding-Prior converted. The introduction of centre Cfn Nick Clarke was felt straight away by Worcester with strong hard tackling in midfield. With good work around the park shown from debutant prop Fus Gaz Smith and scrum half Sig Paul Osling, it was a much closer affair throughout the second half, Worcester only scoring 2 tries throughout the half. The Army provided a much sterner test in attack throughout this half and it took a powerful run from Clarke to break clear and release Spr Gus Qasevakatini to score a well deserved try. Pte Chris Ramwell failed with the conversion.

This match proved to be a good test for the Army U23s which can only improve the squad. Worcester were a very good professional outfit with some players having first team experience. Although a big lead was built up during the first half, the squad settled in to their stride in the second half, with Clarke making a big impact when introduced. The Army improved a lot in the second half which ended 12 – 12.

The final score was Worcester 43 – 12 Army U23s

Posted: 7 Nov 08

Army U20's (29) v Havant (20)
Sun 12 Oct 08

This was the first competitive game of the season in preparation for the County Championships in the New Year. The Army started the game with plenty of pace and aggression, kept at bay by a strong Havant defence. A penalty after 3 minutes was converted by Gdsm David French to give the Army an early 3 - 0 lead. Having settled down after 20 minutes the Army proceeded to show some attacking flare with the Army forwards setting a strong platform for the backs resulting in a well deserved try for OCdt Sam Skinsley, which was converted. The Army continued to attack and tried to wear down the bigger Havant side.

The second half started well with the Army showing some promising moves. However, it was Havant that took a lead with another drop goal to take a 10-13 lead 7 minutes in. Some changes in the Army side brought renewed vigor and enthusiasm with players keen to earn their shirt. 5 minutes later Cfn James Hart took a ball out wide to score a fine try bringing the Army back into the lead. The try was converted. With their tails up the Army Captain OCdt George Marsden scored a try 16 minutes in followed swiftly by a second try for Cfn Hart giving the Army a comfortable 29 – 10 lead with 20 minutes left to play. The game became s little disjointed towards the end and the Army conceded a late try to Havant who scored under the posts from a chip and chase move to bring the score at the final whistle to 29 - 20 in favour of the Army. This was a spirited performance by the Army showing promise for the season.

Army U20s Team

16 2Lt Green 27 Tpt Regt RLC
17 OCdt Napier HMS Calliope ,Newcastle
18 OCdt Harris DTUS Loughborough
19 OCdt Fenton DTUS Southampton
20 Cfn Coburn 40 Regt RA
21 Cfn Seale SEME Bordon
22 Cfn Jones SEAE Arborfield
23 Gdsm Goss 1WG
24 Cfn Sainsbury SEAE Arborfield
25 Cfn Grant SEAE Arborfield
26 Cfn Hart SEAE Arborfield
27 Spr Nansoz 10 Fd Sqn RE
28 Gnr Thompson 12 Regt RA

Posted: 17 Oct 08

Army U23's (20) v RMAS (10)
27 Sep 08

This was the second match in a week for the Academy. After a comprehensive victory in midweek against Cardiff University they came up against a strong and well drilled Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) side. Within 5 mins the Army were 0-7 behind, from a quick tap penalty 5 metres out RMAS were under the posts for a converted try. The Army picked themselves up and after some good pressure from the forwards they were awarded a penalty which Roko Rokoduguni converted to make the score 3-7. After a lot of re-set scrums the Army produced some expansive rugby with forwards and backs interlinking resulting in a try for openside flanker Vee Veikune which Roko Rokodugni duly converted making the score 10-7. The last 10 mins of the half saw the Army apply constant pressure in the RMAS 22 but could not convert into points.

The second half started with a lot of loose kicking out of hand which the Army took full advantage of, with a counter attack from inside their half. After a clever kick and chase by Jocks Sivo RMAS tried to run it out of there 22 only to be penalised for holding on. Vee Veikune took a quick penalty and linked up well with Mark Squirrell who gave the scoring pass to Shaun Thomas making the score 15-7. RMAS applied some good pressure but the Army's defence was too good and the RMAS struggled to find a way through.

Army U23s Team

16 Gnr Pete Farrow 12 Regt RA
17 OCdt Dan Capparos – Midwood DTUS Newcastle
18 Sig Dan Leigh 30 Sigs
19 Spr Dan Savage 36 Engr Regt
20 LCpl Laurens Brits 16 Regt RA
21 Tpr Leo Raravisa HCR
22 OCdt Adam Rogers Queens OTC
23 Gnr Leo Kuriuci 12 Regt RA
24 OCdt Rob Hughes Wales OTC
25 Sig Shaun Thomas 30 Sig Regt
26 Pte Chris Ramwell 9 Sup Regt RLC
27 Pte Veo Vola 44Sqn RMAS

The Army made several changes during the second half which produced some exciting play with forwards and backs producing good rugby. After loose ball from the Army lineout Shaun Thomas gathered up the ball and made a good break. The Army produced some good phases and from this the ball was worked wide through 3 pairs of hands Harding-Prior to score in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful making the score 20-7. Both sides tried hard to play expansive Rugby but good defence by both teams limited it to a penalty to RMAS having a final score of 20-10.

This was a tough test for the developing Army U23's, they came through it well and are happy with the overall performance but understand there is still a lot a work remaining.

Posted: 20 Oct 08

Army U23's (47) v Cardiff University (14)
Cardiff - 24 Sep 08
Positive Start!

After a promising turnout at the Academy trials it was time to put all the hard work and effort to the test. A squad of 25 were selected to take on Cardiff University.

The game started with Cardiff University applying pressure to the Army try line, some good defensive leadership by a predominantly Fijian back line ensured Cardiff did not score. The Army then proceeded to show some attacking flare with the Army's forwards setting a strong platform to release the ball wide. The Army continued to attack, not always from the right areas of the pitch! However, it did not take long before the first try was scored, an exciting move started within the Army's 22, scrum half Tom Chennell broke from the base of the scrum linked with the outside backs who then linked with the back row and put Vee Vola in for a well worked try. Roko Rokoduguni converted.

The Army continued to compete well against a strong Cardiff pack that pinned the Army back firmly within their half for long periods. After sustained pressure by Cardiff, the Army showed its pace in the backs again with Middlesex Sevens star Roko Rokoduguni scoring a breakaway try from the half way line which he converted himself, bringing the Army's lead to 14 - 0 after 20 minutes.

The Army then settled down and started to impose some structure to the game against a determined Welsh pack. However, a wide move resulted in a Cardiff interception which narrowed the score to 14 - 7. The Army responded almost immediately with Roko Rokoduguni scoring his second try, having linked up with fellow centre Junior Korobiau. Roko converted again, bringing the half-time score to 21 - 7 in favour of the Army.

Army U20s Team

1 LCpl Joe Baker 9 Sup Regt RLC
2 Gnr Pete Farrow 29 Cdo Regt RA
3 Sig Steve Jackson HQ SOINC
4 Cpl Kris Chorley 2 R Welsh
5 LCpl David Bates (C) HQ 12 Sig Gp
6 LCpl Laurens Christiaan 16 Regt RA
7 Spr Vee Veikune 3 RSME
8 OCdt Mark Squirrell Wales UOTC
9 LCpl Tom Chennell 7 Bn REME
10 Gdsm Nick Fairhurst 1 Gren Guards
11 Pte Vee Vola 44 Sqn, RMAS
12 Pte Junior Korobiau 25 Trg Regt RLC
13 Tpr Roko Rokoduguni SDG
14 Cfn Johnny Goldsmith LWC BG LAD
15 Gnr Cody Koroilagilagi 12 Regt RA

16 2Lt Carl Green 27 Tpt Regt RLC
17 2Lt Andrew Cadogan R Mon RE
18 OCdt Napier Queens OTC
19 Spr Dan Salvage 36 Engr Regt
20 LCpl Dave Munson 1 Regt AAC
21 Tpr Leo Raravisa HCR
22 Sig Dan Leigh 30 Sigs
23 Gnr Leo Kuriuci 12 Regt RA
24 Musn Scott Clark RE Band
25 Pte Tom Cummings 3 Para

The second half opened with a well placed kick through by the Cardiff inside centre splitting the Army back 3. Cardiff capitalised on the error scoring in the corner. The conversion brought the score to 21 - 14.

Fitness started to show in favour of the Army; Winning good line out ball and beautiful slight of hands by Nick Fairhurst, Roko Rokoduguni cut a great line through the Cardiff defence, before off loading to Vee Veikune to score under the posts. Again Roko converted. The Army made numerous changes which brought renewed vigour. After some hard work around the base of the rucks, scrum half Tom Chennell scored a well deserved try. The subsequent conversion brought the shoreline to 35-14. The backs continued to drive home their advantage with Junior Korobiau scored his first try of the afternoon after a good solid performance throughout. This time unconverted: 40 -14. The game was finished in fine style with replacement Leo Raravisa scoring in the corner which was again converted by Roko. The final score was a solid win 47 - 14.

A positive start to the season with good discipline, dogged defence and a professional approach leaves the season ahead full of promise. The coaching team have many difficult decisions to make, after witnessing strong match day performances from all 24 that took to the park.

See Cardiff University RFC website

Posted: 1 Oct 08