Army Veterans Match Reports
Season 2008-2009

Having got back into the game the Army began to dominate and two further unconverted tries, by Dave Goddard and another from Tom Tom Turagabeci (MoM), lifted a huge crowd and ended the half with the score at 18-8. In what could only be described as an awesome display by the pack and excellent lines of running from the backs, a some what high penalty count was still frustrating the XXXV's.

When Calvin Venn finished off a great back move, which he started, 26-11, and the Navy received a yellow card - the penalty converted by Marc Wilding, 29-11, the game seemed to settle a bit with many replacements occurring on both sides; including Cam Cameron for Andy Jackson, Tim Gibbs for Dave Boocock and Nabs Nabakeke for Filipe Turagabeci.

A further (show boating) try, under the posts, by Dave Goddard - converted by Marc Wilding put the score at 36-11 and led to the final two replacements taking to the field, Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua for Dave Goddard and Paul Tink for Neil Griffiths. The Navy managed one last effort with the winger going over in the corner to end the scoring; a final count of 36-16 was a magnificent result and saw the Army XXXV's crowned as Inter Services Champions!

Skipper Kev Davies lead tremendously from the front, Tubbs Reffell moved from hooker to back row and Leigh Woodhouse carried an injury for most of the game. The only shock was Errol Jones didn't score - it was never a forward pass referee! Now that is everyone mentioned (unfortunately Andy Dawling withdrew through injury) all that remains is to wish the squad all the best for the World Masters Games - come on the Army!

The Team

1 Trevor Howard REME, 2 Tubbs Reffell REME, 3 Andy Jackson AGC, 4 Jim Wallace REME, 5 Kev Davies RE - Skipper, 6 Neil Griffiths RWF, 7 Leigh Woodhouse AAC, 8 Dave Goddard RE, 9 Dave Boocock APTC, 10 Calvin Venn RLC, 11 Errol Jones RE, 12 Matt Crisp RA, 13 Filipe Turagabeci AGC (RMP), 14 Mike Nawaqaliva RLC, 15 Tom Tom Turagabeci RLC - MoM, 16 Shaun Collins RLC, 17 Cam Cameron REME, 18 Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua 1 SG, 19 Marc Wilding REME, 20 Paul Tink RA, 21 Tim Gibbs RE, 22 Emosi Nabakeke R Sigs

Posted: 7 May 09

Inter-Services Championship 2009 Army Vets (38) v RAF Vultures(3) Aldershot - 15 Apr 09

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

The Army Veterans played this one 'safe'. To avoid last year's unexpected defeat they kept the ball tight until the air cover lost sufficient steam to allow a more adventurous approach. Indeed the last quarter of an entertaining match could be described as sufficiently flamboyant for the players to rush home and tell their grandchildren.

After what seemed an age favouring the short side for short gains, the Army raised their heads sufficiently to allow a trickle through the flood gates. Marginally encouraged the heavy mob relaxed their grip sufficiently for Mike Nawaqaliva to dash smoothly to the corner.

The nature and balance of the game changed immediately. No more grunt and punt but Nawaqaliva and Errol Jones flying through the gears on both flanks with Leigh Woodhouse, Neil Griffiths and Dave Goddard supporting in close formation.

That Goddard had sufficient left in his tank after accepting such massive contact work in the first half was surprising. Maybe it was those frequent little stoppages for a one-on-one chat with the referee that did the trick.

Army XXXV's (13) v Kew Occasional's (24)
Richmond - 28 Mar 09

Saturday afternoon and the Army XXXV's final game before the Inter Services - with a tough encounter against a very experienced Kew Occasional's side, which was complimented by the inclusion of Army XXXV front row Capt Cam Cameron REME. The Army kicked off and a ping pong start was settled after 7 minutes, when after a kick from the skipper (a forward!), Maj Mike Nawaqaliva threw a lovely dummy to go over, conversion missed, 5-0.

From the restart the XXXV’s, playing baa baa’s style rugby, went from 22 to 22 and from the resulting scrum Capt Leigh Woodhouse was held up on the Kew line, which was then cleared. Good defence lines of running see Mike Nawaqaliva and LCpl Tom Tom Turagabeci break back into Kew territory, a good scrum followed and some big tackles - Sgt Dave Goddard and SSgt Errol Jones – showed an excellent covering defence to thwart the ever increasing Kew counter attack.

A clever kick from SSgt Calvin Venn, with support from Leigh Woodhouse and Errol Jones, sees the Army again turn defence into attack easing a little Kew pressure. A good scrum is let down by a poor kick and despite big hits, from Cpl Filipe Turagabeci, WO2 Trevor Howard and WO2 Neil Griffiths, a series of penalties lead to a Kew try which is converted, so after 35 minutes play, the Occasional’s lead 5-7.

A penalty from Lt Col Matt Crisp after 37 minutes puts the score to 8-7 and when SSgt Tim Gibbs replaces Calvin Venn the half ends with the Army XXXV’s ahead. An already classy Occasional’s side make multiple changes and kick off the second half where early penalties eventually lead to a score out wide (just) to make the score, 8-12. The pressure continues from Kew with their South African (Super 12 experienced) centres only being halted by great tackling from Tom Tom Turagabeci.

A try after 54 minutes takes the score to 8-17 and on the hour the XXXV’s make two changes with WO1 Shaun Collins replacing SSgt Paul Tink and Filipe Turagabeci making way for Cpl Emosi Nabakeke. The immediate impact of pressuring Kew in their own half doesn’t last long when after 67 minutes a try and conversion is scored, 8-24. Sgt Dave Goddard is replaced by Cpl Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua and a good hard game is then blessed by a hail storm seeing this reporter heading for cover!

A tired Army side picked themselves up and pressured the Kew line where eventually a well worked scrum sees Leigh Woodhouse capping a good all round performance with a try, not converted, and the game ends with a final score of 13-24. Thanks go to the Kew Occasional’s (and Richmond) for an excellent fixture, the Army XXXV’s squad can now move forward to the Inter Services with lessons learnt and desire!

See Kew Occasionals website at: www.pitchero.com/clubs/kewoccasionalsrfc/

Posted 31 Mar 09

Army XXXV's (20) v Richmond Heavies (13)
Aldershot - 13 Mar 09

A cool Friday (the 13th) evening saw the Army XXXV's take another step toward the Inter Services with a visit from Richmond Heavies, a strong side which was complimented by the inclusion of Army XXXV front row WO1 Shaun Collins RLC. The Army kicked off and soon set the scene for the remainder of the game with the scrum giving a good platform and the line out showing a few misplaced balls.

Good stepping from Maj Mike Nawaqaliva and a clever kick from SSgt Tim Gibbs are the early highlights until after nine minutes a Richmond penalty starts the scoring, 0-3. A good steal from Sgt Dave Goddard who makes the break and moves the XXXV's into Richmond territory, with only over enthusiastic hands stopping the move from being finished off. This pressure is then relieved by another penalty!

An interception from SSgt Calvin Venn and a run into the Richmond 22 is only just halted by good covering from the Heavies. From the resulting scrum, LCpl Tom Tom Turagabeci cuts through the back line and off loads to Lt Col Matt Crisp who goes over and converts his own try, 23 minutes played, the score is 7-3. Yet another penalty takes the score to 7-6, from the restart the Army apply immediate pressure.

With good work from Mike Nawaqaliva (cover) and Dave Goddard (support) it is only a raising penalty count that seems to offer relief - sounds familiar! However after 35 minutes from the back of the scrum WO1 Marc Wilding and Tim Gibbs go down the blind, which leaves a clear two on one and an easy run in for the winger Cpl Nabs Nabakeke, conversion missed, to leave the score by half time at 12-6.

Scrum half change brings on WO1 Dave Boocock and when Richmond make a double change themselves after 47 minutes, one of their replacements is yellow carded at the very next play. After 52 minutes a penalty by Matt Crisp puts the score at 15-6, hooker swap means SSgt Tubbs Reffell enters the fray, and a quick tap penalty on 55 minutes leads to a Richmond try, which is converted, 15-13.

An injury to Capt Jim Wallace sees replacement Maj Spike Quant come on for the XXXV's and after 62 minutes good strength by the pack leads to the backs slicing open the Richmond defence and Mike Nawaqaliva handing the try on a plate for Matt Crisp, conversion missed, 20-13. A quick response from the Heavies as they kick into the Army 22 covered by WO2 Kev Davies and cleared by Calvin Venn.

On 65 minutes the XXXV's make their final two changes with SSgt Errol Jones replacing Cpl Filipe Turagabeci and SSgt Andy Jackson coming on for Maj Cam Cameron. Good combination work from the flankers, WO2 Neil Griffiths and Dave Goddard, sees a lot of clearing out at the break down and with Richmond making a triple change the game enters the last ten minutes of what is a good showing.

Good lines of running are let down by poor hands leaving the game to middle of the park stuff but with their rumbling game Richmond Heavies begin to edge close. Defence is good from the Army and their line is cleared with kicking back into the opposition half. Last minute change with Cam Cameron coming back on for Marc Wilding and a close game comes to an end with the Army XXXV's victorious!

See Richmond Heavies web site at www.richmondfc.co.uk/

Posted: 16 Mar 09

Army XXXV's (5) v Andover XV (0)
Andover - 28 Feb 09

A pleasant Saturday afternoon in Hampshire saw a new look Army XXXV restart their campaign toward the Inter Services with a trip to Andover to play a select XV. A late withdrawal due to injury forced a reshuffle in the back line and with the local side fielding two Army XXXV players, Capt Jim Wallace REME and WO2 Trevor Howard REME, it was a very keen Andover XV kicking off and getting amongst the XXXV's.

With scrums, line outs and free kicks Andover spend the next ten minutes in the Army half, until a penalty and the resulting line out move the XXXV's into opposition territory for the first time. Unfortunately at this stage an injury to the Army number eight forces another change with LBdr Andy Dawling being replaced by Cpl Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua. Lots of stoppages are disrupting a good developing game.

Good work from Capt Leigh Woodhouse and WO1 Shaun Collins maintains the pressure on Andover in their half and a run from LCpl Tom Turagabeci results in another penalty that is put into the corner by SSgt Calvin Venn. A yellow card for Andover followed by one for the Army in separate incidents and then what appeared to be a bedding in period all added up (or not) to leave the score 0-0 at half time.

Early on in the second half Andover cross the line but knock on and the XXXV show some good individual efforts, with in particular Leigh Woodhouse showing the way. It is clear this far into the season that Andover are more of a unit and with their spoiling game resulting in a scrappy affair, the Army go back to basics. A strong scrum and Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua standing big seems to settle the XXXV's.

A long pass and a good pick up by SSgt Errol Jones leaves the Army winger one on one with his opposite number who is brushed off and a try scored (good finish), which is not converted, therefore after 54 minutes of play the score is 5-0. The XXXV's make their final two changes with SSgt Tim Gibbs replacing WO1 Dave Boocock - at scrum half, and SSgt Tubbs Reffell replaced by SSgt Paul Tink - at hooker.

On the hour mark a good break from Lt Col Matt Crisp is let down by the final pass and a certain try. An injury to Shaun Collins brings Tubbs Reffell back on at prop. Good scrum, poor hands / finishing and penalties galore, perhaps the title of this report should be the good, the bad and the ugly; to be fair the XXXV's were slow to meld but have looked better the longer the game has gone on - come on the Army.

A second yellow card for the XXXV's after 73 minutes ensures an interesting finale to a very stop / start game. Last notes include good defence inside the 22m, a catch from Errol Jones, a run by Tom Turagabeci and a kick / vision from Calvin Venn which results in a final score of 5-0 to the Army XXXV - good result! A big thank you to Andover Rugby Club for stepping in at late notice and great hospitality, cheers.

Read Andover RFC's match report at www.nrwebsolutions.com/Arfc/1stxvreport.htm

Posted: 4 Mar 09

The Team

1 WO1 Shaun Collins RLC
2 SSgt Tubbs Reffell REME
3 SSgt Andy Jackson AGC
4 Maj Spike Quant REME
5 WO2 Kev Davies RE - Skipper
6 WO2 Neil Griffiths R Welsh
7 Capt Leigh Woodhouse AAC
8 LBdr Andy Dawling RA
9 WO1 Dave Boocock APTC
10 SSgt Calvin Venn RLC
11 SSgt Errol Jones RE
12 Cpl Filipe Turagabeci AGC (RMP)
13 Lt Col Matt Crisp RA
14 Cpl Emosi Nabakeke R Sigs
15 LCpl Tom Turagabeci RLC
16 SSgt Paul Tink RA
17 SSgt Tim Gibbs RE
18 Cpl Alfred Vakacoko-Vanua 1 SG

Army Veterans (19) v Farnborough (19)
Aldershot - 28 Nov 08

A cold night on Queens Avenue saw the Army Vets kick off and apply immediate pressure on Farnborough, the following 10 minutes allowed the coaches to see their training put into practice as the Vets had scrums, penalties and line-outs galore. After 15 minutes SSgt Errol Jones (injury) was replaced by Maj Steve Jermy and Farnborough, holding firm in defence, entered the Vets half for the first time. With the scrum not as tight as usual, the scrum-half WO1 Dave Boocock took the ball on with increasingly predictable play and Farnborough held - but that appeared all!

With five minutes left of the half the Vets put pressure on the Farnborough line, with more set plays on the 5 metre line, which is only relieved by a penalty given away by skipper of the day WO2 Kev Davies, perhaps showing the frustration of us all! Half time changes are WO1 Shaun Collins for WO2 Mark Curry and WO2 Greg Gregson for SSgt Mark Pocock. From the kick off a good chase and tackle from Dave Goddard leads us to believe more of the same (pressure) for the second half, but not to be as poor kicking, and tackling, leaves us stuck in the middle of the park.

WO2 Marc Wilding replaces Lt Col Huw James on 49 minutes. Very messy hands are not being penalised too much as the Vets scrum is now taking control – Dave Boocock is replaced by LCpl LaLa Lalauvaki. With a professional foul by the Farnborough number four, resulting in a yellow card (57 minutes), and the Army Vets move into their 22. Awarded a penalty the Vets opt for the scrum and Farnborough concede another penalty which is tapped and taken on by the forwards, resulting in Dave Goddard scoring and Sgt Dale Jefferies converting, 60 minutes played, 12-12.

From the re-start a scrum is awarded to the Vets and all is right with the world; the number 8 picks up and the scrum half goes wide, the resultant pop ball is taken by the Farnborough flanker and put under the posts to make the score 12-19. The Vets turn up the pace; then a scrum, penalty and line out results in them taking the ball over the Farnborough try line only to be adjudged held up! Two more 5 metre scrums are finally rewarded when showing good control and the ball at the number eight's feet a penalty try is given, converted by Dale Jefferies, 67 minutes played, 19-19.

Hands, again, upsetting yet another Army Vets comeback but the scrum is giving them back the advantage with some good work by Shaun Collins. Final change for the Vets on 79 minutes as Dave Goddard (injury) is replaced by WO2 Trev Howard. Tedious defence to keep a decent Farnborough outfit at bay is then turned into the best phase of the game as the Vets march from 22 to 22. A penalty, opted to be tapped, and the resulting melee ends the game with a slightly disjointed Vets and a good spoiling Farnborough side seemingly both happy to share the spoils!

Posted: 2 Dec 08

Army Veterans (15) v Sandhurst (15)
Aldershot - 10 Nov 08

A late start on a wet night and a pack reshuffle after 5 minutes due to injury seemed to unsettle the Army Vets early on. With solid enough tackling from both sides -complimenting each others mistakes, knock-on's and a few penalties, the first ten minutes are played in the middle of the park. After 13 minutes Sandhurst manage to enter the Vets 22 and the centre breaks through a tackle to score under the posts, 0-7.

Pressure is applied as the Vets tighten the scrum, and with the penalty count levelling out, time is finally spent in the Sandhurst half – who show some good defence. Another enforced change after 33 minutes, this time at fly-half, has the opposite effect for the Vets and good forward play sees the pressure pay off just before half time as LBdr Andy Dawling scores a try which is converted by WO2 Marc Wilding, 7-15.

After five further changes the Vets make a much better start to the half, solid play coupled with good kicking test the Sandhurst defence and only penalties relieve the pressure. Good work to move up field brings reward as enthusiasm is penalised and Marc Wilding converts to make the score 10-15 after 53 minutes. It’s still raining and mistakes are common but the Army Vets are tightening their grip on the game.

Spurts of good play, a break from Capt Rob Hinton and tackling by Sgt Ged Arthur, are disrupted by countless stoppages. Sandhurst now under pressure succumb to a push over try scored by WO1 Dave Boocock, the conversion is missed and with 67 minutes played the scores are level at 15-15. A good chase and tackle from LCpl Pete Mc Donald from the kick off ensures that the pressure is kept on the Sandhurst line.

Again the only relief in the next ten minutes that Sandhurst receives is from penalties and when they have an injury the referee ends the game slightly prematurely. With nothing going on but the rain, it was time to reflect on a good solid performance by Sandhurst and consider the individual Vets contributions, good luck to the coach's!

Veteran XV - 2008

Posted: 14 Nov 08

Army Veterans (34) v REME (27)
Aldershot - 20 Oct 08

Another rainy night under the floodlights. REME kick off and with plenty of early hustle they create space on the outside and a remarkable turn of speed sees the REME winger go over, the try is converted and after 3 minutes the score is 0-7. The next 15 minutes are played in the REME half where the game begins to settle but with two penalties for feeding the REME make yardage to camp in the Vets half for the next five minutes. This 'siege' is eventually broken with superb hands by the Army Vets across the park and back again to bring pressure to the REME line.

With half time beckoning a great break from SSgt Calvin Venn and a kick deep into the REME half leads to a penalty, a quick tap and a try under the posts by LCpl LaLa Lalauvaki is converted by LCpl Pete McDonald, 34 minutes played 12-17. A couple of hard hitting runs from LCpl NikNak Nakanacagi brings the half to an end. An inspiring half time speech from coach WO1 Mitch Mitchell and a couple of changes, SSgt Taff Oakley for Lalauvaki and SSgt Errol Jones for Crisp, see the Army Vets take to the field for the second half led by Maj Spike Quant.

Lovely hands and good breaking tackles result in a try for Jones, conversion missed, 58 minutes played 17-22. With many REME exchanges, the Vets make their third and last with WO2 Don Donaldson replacing Cpl Jale Wainiqolo. A penalty for REME relieves the pressure and the resulting line-out, with quick hands, sees another try in the corner, 63 minutes played 17-27. Another good kick off – obviously getting too much practice – again sees good work from the Vets as they take the ball into the 22 where there is another knock on, yes that’s twice and yes it’s still raining.

The REME line is now coming under extreme pressure from the Army Vets as the forwards win ball, bang and bang again to set up a towering kick into the corner where McDonald scores the try, conversion missed, 68 minutes played 22-27. LCpl Tom Tom Turagabeci chasing down the ball causes another fumble in the REME back line and a kick through is touched down by Cpl Nabs Nabakeke, conversion missed, 74 minutes played 27-27. A break from Turagabeci, with support from Jones, leads to WO2 Marc Wilding picking up and carrying defenders stretches for the line, he gets up to convert his own try, 79 minutes played, 34-27. Solid combination of forwards and backs sees out the lengthy injury time to end the game.

A good performance from the REME, particularly in the scrum, which saw Army Vets Maj Cam Cameron and WO2 Monster Howard allowing the selectors to assess more than two props at a time – cheers guys. And finally a quote from the soaked forwards coach SSgt Tiny Baker:

“Determination and doggedness kept the Vets in the game until the last 20 minutes when guile and experience shone through and won the day!”

Posted: 22 Oct 08

Army Veterans (51) v Shrivenham (5)
Shrivenham - 22 Sep 08

The Vets season kicked off on the rain soaked fields of the Royal Military Academy Shrivenham. With many new faces at this trial the opening play looked to set the standard, from the start Shrivenham were taken back into their 22 and (with ELV 4 in mind) tried to kick their way out with a bomb that Cpl LaLa Lalauvaki took straight back, skipper for the day WO2 Kev Davies added his weight and the move was finished by Sgt Dave Goddard, conversion missed, one minute played 5 -0.

A sequence of penalties against the Vets see Shrivenham in the Army half for the next 15 minutes, it's a combination of rain (wet ball) and whistle blowing (errors) that results in static ball. At last, a penalty for the Army Vets where play and mistakes continue but this time in the Shrivenham half. A pick up and drive from WO2 Marc Wilding leads to WO2 Mark Curry spinning in the tackle and ending the madness with a try, converted by LCpl Pete Mc Donald, 23 minutes played 12-0.

The mass changes made by Shrivenham on 26 minutes took time to adjust to the pace of the game and after LCpl Denzil Rakabu broke the line, Cpl Nabs Nabakeke cut inside four times to score, converted by McDonald, 31 minutes played 19-0. After a quick tap penalty by Lalauvaki, the pack went and went again, sucking in the Shrivenham defence, a dive pass to the full back line saw the desired overlap and simple rugby results in WO2 Stu Boswell going over, McDonald converted, 26-0.

1 WO1 Shaun Collins RLC
2 SSgt Mark Pocock AAC
3 WO2 Mark Curry RA
4 WO2 Kev Davies RE - Skipper
5 LCpl Denzil Rakabu RLC
6 Maj Nick Taylor RLC
7 Sgt Dave Goddard RE
8 WO2 Marc Wilding REME
9 LCpl LaLa Lalauvaki RLC
10 LCpl Pete McDonald REME
11 SSgt Errol Jones RE
12 Pte Gonewai RLC
13 WO2 Stu Boswell REME
14 Cpl Nabs Nabakeke R Sigs
15 LCpl Tom Tom Turagabeci RLC
16 Maj Spike Quant REME
17 SSgt Andy Kershaw RAC
19 SSgt Taff Oakley REME
20 SSgt Tim Gibbs RE
21 Cpl Jale Wainiqolo RLC
22 SSgt Mark Eastley RE

On 39 minutes an attempted punt down field is taken by one of the Shrivenham replacements and he goes over in the corner to make the score 26-5. Desperate defence on their own line by Shrivenham and over enthusiasm from the Vets saw then squander two further try scoring opportunities before half time. Four replacements and two positional changes ensure the Army Vets make a messy start to the second half, with the scrum looking loose and the rain pouring the 50 minute mark passes.

After Rakabu making good yardage and LCpl Tom Tom Turagabeci giving solid support two more tries are scored by Goddard and Kershaw, both conversions were missed giving a final points tally of 51-5 to the Army Vets. A winning start and a few lessons learnt by the coaching staff ended this wet Monday night. Apart from mentioning ex Vets playing for Shrivenham, Lt Col Matt Crisp RA - the try scorer, Maj Mike Campbell RLC and WO2 Greg Thomas REME, cheers guys!

Posted: 26 Sep 08