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Wednesday 19 August, 2009
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Army Sevens - Match Reports
Summer Season 2009
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Middlesex Sevens
Twickenham - 15 Aug 09
Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson
A highly successful season came to a climax at the
Middlesex Charity 7s, Twickenham on 15th August. Although
the Reds were eliminated in the quarter finals by the
eventual winners London Irish, the whole squad can look
back with great pride on sparkling performances throughout
the summer months. |
Apo Satala breaks the Bath defence |
In the opening round the Army took a professional
Bath side apart at the seams. It was 7s as it was supposed
to be structured, and played with massive vigour and
pace. Apo Satala ( 1 SCOTS) and Toobes
Naulivo (21 Signal Regt) conducted the orchestra.
Difficult to be sure after seven years, when Army 7s
first came to notice, but this was probably the fastest
set of backs we have seen. Samesi Rokoduguni
(RSDG), Gus Qasavakatini (RE) and Bunny
Burenivalu (17 P&M) were as quick as any pro
on show. |
A quarter final against London Irish was bound to be the test of the day. The Irish fielded three internationals in the current England squad including the Armitage brothers and back five Nick Kennedy. They also brought on two 7s internationals and were clearly in a competitive frame of mind. |
| Even against all that competition the Army were
unfortunate to lose by 3-2 in tries. Skipper Mark
Lee (ALS) led his troops into the teeth of
the forward battle whilst Toobes Naulivo
showed what an outstanding 7s player he can be. One
lofted pass a metre or so from the Reds own line surprised
the Irish who did not bother to chase Burenivalu.
The Irish countered with two fair tries before Qasavakatini
levelled the try count after huge work by Gerhard
Wessels (RE) who is undoubtedly the 'glue'
which sticks the whole team together. |
Gerhard Wessels - hard to catch, hard to hold |
Throwing rather too much caution the wind probably was the Army's undoing as they tried to produce as winning try. Instead the Irish cleverly exploited vast tracts of open territory for a third and final score. The difference between full time professionals and the Army Reds was not that great. |
 Toobes Naulivo turns the Irish defence |
Samesi Rokoduguni rounds England's Delon Armitage |
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'What might have been' is for dreamers but it is a fact that the Army could have won this game and taken Irish's place in the final. A final would have been anyone's game but, then again, it is such dreams that sustain us through the cold winter months.
After the Irish game the squad performed the traditional lap of honour and the Twickenham crowd approaching 20,000 rose to their feet with sustained applause in appreciation of Army rugby and also, I am sure, for the way the British Armed Forces are conducting themselves on operations, and particularly in Afghanistan. It was a special moment with few dry eyes in the stadium.
Congratulations to all those involved who, despite the hurdles, produced a squad that is eating at England's top table.
Read more about the Tournament at http://www.middlesex7s.com/
Posted: 19 Aug 09
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Worthing Sevens
Worthing - 25-27 Jul 09
Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson
 The
Worthing 7s is traditionally a time to draw a little
bit of breath. It is an opportunity for 'wannabees'
to feel the pace of Army level 7s, measure their fitness-
and, with three weeks to go, impress the selectors for
the MIDDLESEX 7s and Twickenham.
That is not to say that this vibrant competition could
ever be taken lightly. Winning is an attitude of mind
and Worthing required the rugby focus had to remain
sharp when six 'freshers' joined skipper Mark
Lee (ALS) and Gerhard Wessels
(RE). |
Gerhard Wessels shows his heels |
Ironically the Army met the Navy in a qualifying
round and took a narrow lead into half time before
Samesi Rokodunguni finished off with a brace
to sink the matelots 29pts-5. In the semi-final Apache
provided 'stubborn' opposition when the Reds collective
foot came off the gas.
The Final was contested against the 'old enemy' the
Scorpions, defeated narrowly by the Reds earlier in
the season at Bath.
This time the Army went over in 23 secs and forged
15pts-0 ahead after impressive newcomer Patero
Rokomatu (17 P&M) scored a brace. Alarmingly
the Army saw neither the sting in the Scorpion's tail
nor a sustained counter attack coming over the hill.
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Two quick Scorpion tries fuzzied the likely outcome and only sharp words from skipper Mark Lee restored the proper order of things. At the final whistle it was the Army that had their tails up. Rokoduguni and Wessels took responsibility and the Reds pulled away for a 32pts-12 victory.
A good days work. Rokomatu showed the proper credentials to be considered for the 'mix' in 2009 and maybe Ignoci (RSME) will return in the future.
Now back to very serious business at Cwmtawe on Sat
1 August where the Welsh hordes are waiting eagerly.
Not heard of it ? Swansea then turn right >>.
PS Did anyone see coach Alfie Vakacoko-vanua
smile? Collective answers on the back of a postage stamp
to ………
Posted: 28 Jul 09
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Newquay Surf Sevens
Newquay - 18-19 Jul 09
Reds retain Newquay title
"The tackling was so ferocious even the crowd needed
First Aid"
Reporter/Photographer:
Roger Thompson
 New
time, new ideas and new energy at New-quay ensured the
Army 7s team retained their 7s title against the strongest
of national and international opposition.
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After Manchester this was a complete revelation from
a team that had in June been 'forward firing', in early
July 'backs firing' and now in mid-July 'all cylinders'
firing for a full 14 minutes through to the final where
they beat The Marauders 28pts-12.
The Reds settled down quickly in the early rounds,
integrating the return of Gus Qasavakatini,
Gerhard Wessels (both RE) and Samesi
Rokoduguni (RSDG). All three have 'fizz' and
each made an impact but in different ways. |
Coach Alfred Vakacoko-vanua was seen to smile |
Wessels is a born pivot with great vision and again showed the ability to 'switch'. Qasavakatini and Rokoduguni are players with a short-lived fuse and 'gas' who played off Wessels and relished the one-on-one, stepping and sprinting. Also, Qasavakatini (Oh for a military abbrev !) again showed a gift for reading great lines of defence whilst Roko remains one of the best tacklers around.
Not to be outdone, the top of the 'Manchester Cream',
Jojo Bibi (21 Sig Regt), came on in
an 'impact role' and again showed he is ready now and
must be an even stronger prospect for the future.
Throughout skipper Mark Lee (ALS)
led from the very apex of the action and was, with Apo
Satala (1 SCOTS), in imperious form. In attack
and defence, Apo was in a hard nosed
mood; his semi-final try against the Samurai broke the
back of a very good side.
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Gus Qasavakatini hits the throttle |
Maciu Saulailai (RSDG), a lump of
a lad, who has converted from XVs centre to 7s forward
is growing into the impact role and at Newquay stepped
up a gear. Find of the day was Jim Vatubua
(5 SCOTS). Vatubua is in the Damudamu
mould with long legs, a huge engine, great hands and
a thirst for attack. He proved elusive, even in this
company, and could have a future as an impact player
once the opposition is in a dither.
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Apo Satala in imperious form |
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Of the semi final against the Samurai Capt Eddie
Cullen (Rifles) admitted he had never seen
better tackling by an Army 7s team. "It was so ferocious,
even the crowd needed First Aid". Apo Satala
sealed a 12pts-nil victory with a 'special'
The final Reds v Maruaders was another battle which
was not for the faint hearted. Marauders opened the
scoring but the Reds replied with 28 classic 7s points.
It doesn't matter who scored-it was a team effort including
those on the touchline and particularly coaches Chris
Brown (Int) and Alfred Vakacoko-vanua
(Scots Gds).Although the Marauders managed a last minute
riposte they were well beaten.
Read more about the Tournament at www.newquaysurf7s.co.uk
The Bandwagon now moves on to Worthing for Sat 25 July-well worth a punt.
REMEMBER IT'S YOUR REDS
MIDDLESEX 7s
TWICKENHAM 15 AUGUST
Posted: 20 Jul 09
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Manchester Sevens
Manchester - 10-12 Jul 09
Drizzle turning brighter later?
Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson
A depleted Army 7s team ran into some squally weather
at the Manchester International 7s on 11/12 July. The
Reds, who had received a very warm welcome from a supportive
crowd, were eliminated in the quarter finals by a slick
pro outfit, the KooGa Wailers. |
The Wailers, who are drawn from Newcastle Falcons
and England 7s-and any Southern Hemisphere international
passer-by with a Sevens pedigree, were good and with
a few seconds to go it had been anyone's game.
The new-look Reds had shown they could play fast-track
rugby throughout the group stages and in flashes were
brilliant. Coaches Chris Brown and
Alfred Vakacoko-vanua had welded together a
side that might, with the rub of the green, have gone
all the way. Despite the absence of key players, the
Army played at a significantly better tempo than in
some previous lead-in events. |
Skipper Mark Lee clears the way |
Those who caught the eye were 'Toobs' Koroinalevu (21 Sig Regt) returning to the squad after an absence of some years and newcomer Jojo Bibi (21 Sig Regt) who has the 'whizz' factor in both feet and hands.
'Toobs', hugely experienced at this level,
showed that he had retained the vision and pivotal skills
necessary to mastermind attack and defence. At this
level opportunities had to be created and he was always
quick to spot the possibilities.
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Jojo Bibi turns on the afterburners |
In contrast, Bibi is inexperienced
and tactically raw in this company but he was able to
recognise a space, pin back his ears and hit the afterburners.
He contributed well to the Army effort and on this showing
alone has ‘arrived’.
Apo Satala (1 SCOTS) and skipper
Mark Lee (ALS) both worked their socks off
in the engine room whilst Mathew Raikoso (1
SCOTS) coming on as an impact forward had genuine ‘fire’.
Yes, we may have lacked four or five seasoned
performers but even so progress in 2009 has been tangible.
There are three further events prior to the climax,
the MIDDLESEX 7s on 15 August so the outlook is bright. |
The Middlesex 7s is the Premier 7s event in the UK and it will be tougher than ever. Professional teams at Twickenham will have been in full time training for two whole months and will be targeting the Army as the No1 danger. They will also have noted that the Army will have to be at full strength or will be vulnerable to the ball that bounces badly. |
 As always Apo Satala had worked his socks off |
 Jack Prasad and Apo Satala switch the attack |
Player preparation is now the key but time, which is short, is of the essence. At Newquay on Saturday 18th we face the litmus test-the paper must turn Red and then everyone must recognise that Sunday the 19th is the time to begin the assault on the summit.
Read more about the Tournament at www.manchesterrugby7s.com
Posted: 15 Jul 09
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Bath Charity Sevens
Bath - 28-27 Jun 09
Army out-gun rivals at sevens
Thanks to The Bath Chronicle
The third annual Bath Charity 7s took place at the University
of Bath on Saturday in aid of Help for Heroes and, fittingly,
it was the British Army who triumphed 29-28 in a thrilling
final against Akuma Scorpions.
Sixty-eight teams competed throughout the day, with the Wooden Spoon team picking up the winners' trophy in the ladies' competition.
Billed as the largest one-day sevens tournament in the UK, the competition has grown enormously since its inaugural event that was based over two pitches at Stothert and Pitt RFC two years ago.
On Saturday, six pitches were utilised to accommodate the teams who were competing in four different tournaments – Men's Invitational, Men's Open, Men's Social and Women's Open – and the action was non-stop from the 10am start through to the 7pm final kick-off.
The men's open final saw The Smurfs emerge victorious over the Glantaf Goats, while the social final saw Withem's Elves and Patriots do battle. England ladies' wing Danielle Waterman was voted women's player of the tournament, while England under-20 and Wasps player Christian Wade picked up the men's accolade.
Tournament director John Gould said: "The event
has been a great a success and I'm extremely grateful
to everyone who donated to Help for Heroes and to all
those who have helped make the tournament such a success".
"This year has seen a few firsts for the event,
including the first overseas teams from Italy and Ireland,
and we are grateful to the Army for providing plenty
of entertainment off the field for all the family".
"I'd also like to thank the RAF and Touchstone
for their support in helping the event become what it
has and here's hoping next year will be just as good,
if not better."
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Roma International Sevens
Rome - 5-6 Jun 09
Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson
The ROMA International 7s played over two days in humid conditions provided more than a test for a depleted British Army team. Problems encountered en-route were a minor reason for our 2008 Winners team being relegated to the Plate competition but to dwell on such peripherals would be to throw a very strong squad unnecessarily of course.
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The fact is that on that weekend the Army was probably at best equal runners up to a fabulous New Zealand ' Roma Invitation 7' that had every thing except the 'Silver Fern' on their chests. With that understood the Army should feel satisfied that they fought well, played positively and gained a critical lesson in ultra-modern 7s play.
Sevens, which now stands in its own right alongside XVs, is no longer an art form with surges based on smoke and mirrors but just as brutal, dynamic and demanding as the last 20 minutes of any important match. It would not be difficult to propose a motion that Sevens is more skilful and physically more testing than its bigger brother.
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 Gerhard Wessells sprints clear |
The Army was unfortunate to meet the Roma 'All Blacks' in the group stage and were soundly beaten by four tries to nil. The Army could not get hold of the ball sufficiently to test the 'Blacks' defence. When the 'Blacks' went into contact they committed all the immediately available force to fierce rucking (Yes-in 7s!) to secure ball and went immediately back onto the attack against a defence in shock. Thereafter they hardly lost possession. In the heat the 'Blacks' sweated buckets but did not tire. Yes - it was that good.
Relegated to the Plate the Army turned on the style.
Strongly led by skipper Apo Satala
(1 SCOTS) - a man of less than few words-the Army played
its own brand at pace and with lots of vigour. Apo's
actions orchestrated 'the where and the when' to exert
a full portfolio of pressures.
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Mathew Raikosa spots the gap |
Apo Satala goes for bust |
Forward Mathew Raikosa (1 SCOTS) was usually first into the thickest fray and invariably committed the defence. Gerhardt Wessells (RE) played a dynamic game outside Epeli Qolikibua whose smoke and mirrors game still baffled all but the very top pros. The British Army beat the International Maurauders in the Plate final.
The 'finds' of the weekend were forward Junior Lagilagi (Mercian) and the 'fizz' men Gus Qasavakatini (RE) and Lee Douglas (1 SCOTS) who both ripped into the Plate with huge confidence. With such men the Reds are starting, under Eddie Cullen (Rifles) and Chris Brown (INT) to rebuild some vital depth to the 7s squad.
The ROMA International Competition provided an opportunity to play high standard 7s where a number of lessons were learned and newcomers were found capable of playing at British Army standard.
In particular, meeting the 'Blacks' who will be at Manchester on 11-12 July, was a positive experience - not so much a wake-up call as opening another window into the 7s game. It has changed and I feel confident the Army will change with it. Everyone remains very upbeat about the Middlesex 7s at Twickenham on 15 August.
Read more about the Tournament at www.romaseven.com
Posted: 8 Jun 09
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