Army celebrate centenary victory

Army beat Navy (39-25)
Twickenham Stadium, 5 May 2007

Report by Roger Thompson

The Army came to Twickenham with their big guns primed and from the moment they arrived on the pitch it was rapid fire from the hip. They were given something of a fight by the Royal Navy, the lead changed hands six times, before the Reds ran out winners 39pts-25.

Both sides had comprehensively beaten the RAF to set up the 'winner takes all' contest in front of 42,000 spectators for whom victory was everything.

Retaining The Babcock Trophy and The Babcock Inter-Services Championship for a record sixth successive time was a just personal reward for Army skipper Mal Roberts (RLC) who is one of the few players to feature in all six victories.

The Army started in adventurous style when prop Chris Budgen (R Welsh) thundered to the shadow of the posts. Scrum half James Gill (AMS) earned his first cap with one pass as he set free Peceli Nacamavuto (RE) who blew a massive hole in the Navy central defence to go under the posts.

The Matelots responded with a well taken penalty by skipper Dave Pascoe (RFANSU) and took the lead when fly half Jamie Caruana (HMS Monmouth) bombed a precision cross kick to the corner where wing Andy Vance (RNAS Yeovilton) claimed his moment of glory.

From that point both sets of partisan supporters had much to cheer before the Army asserted its firepower and elusive speed in the final quarter.

The Reds' front five set up the contact battle nicely. Chris Budgen, Georgie Kemble (both R Welsh) and Steve Trethewey (REME) were rock solid whilst at lock the Sapper pairing of Ben Hughes and Darrell Ball complemented each other, Hughes taking the ball in to draw the defence whilst Ball moved the play around the flanks to link with the back row. No easy job against a Navy unit led by the bearded buccaneer Marsh Cormack (RNAS Yeovilton) and Will Pilkington (JSU Northwood) who tackled ferociously to secure a fair share of turn-overs.

Man of the Match - Spr Peceli Nacamavuto (RE)

Breaking free?

The Reds' back row were all sevens internationals. Mark Lee (Scots) captained Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, Ledua Jope (AGC) played for Fiji whilst Isoa Damudamu (Scots), a Fijian by birth, had recently represented England in Hong Kong and New Zealand. This formidable trio dictated the terms around the breakdown but under new head coach Andy Price (Welsh Guards) were not myopic towards the 'pic'n punch'.

Indeed swift clear-out provided the Reds' half backs Gill and fly half Rob Sweeney (Welsh Guards) with sufficient time to shift the ball to the massive Fijian international Apo Satala (Scots), who did the damage, and 'Man of the Match' Nacamavuto. The sheer threat of try scorer Malakai Magnus (RLC) hovering on the centres shoulder helped stretch the Navy defence to breaking point.

The Navy’s talented right wing Josh Drauniniu (HMS Bulwark) scored two tries, the first from an interception when the Army had sufficient unmarked runners out on the left to suffocate the dead ball area with red shirts.

The Navy lead was cancelled out when Damudamu surged to the left corner, was tackled but not held and rose to thump the ball over the line one handed.

On 65 minutes with the score tied at 25pts each Budgen caused mayhem in the Blues defence, Gill shifted the ball away from trouble and Ben Seru (RE) zipped under the posts for a second ‘sevens style’ try. The pack doubled the advantage with an unstoppable surge using prop Steve Trethewey as the spearhead.

Nacamavuto was undoubtedly the ‘Man of the Match’ for the ‘champagne sorties’ that gave the Army two possibly three tries. However mention in despatches must go to the ‘freshers’ half-back pairing of Gill and Sweeney who set the tempo for a fast open match. Also Rob Sugden (Coldm Gds) who replaced the steadfast Hughes, sealed off the line out and tackled, tackled, got up and tackled. I doubt whether Twickenham has seen such a defensive display from a lock forward in recent times at any level.

This was a game of rugby which had sufficient brawn and brain for every taste in the 42,000 crowd. It was also the Army’s best performance for some time. Four tries came from inspirational play, the fifth from sheer power as the Navy pack ran out of gas. Fly half Sweeney kicked two penalties and converted four of the Reds’ five tries. These Navy backs are exciting and there is no doubt that they will return in 2008 with another year’s experience and yard of pace.

Coach Andy Price was clearly happy and said: “We made a very good start against a highly competitive Navy side that twice took the lead. To win such an exciting match and the Championship for a sixth time in our Centenary Year will be a memory that lasts for ever. We have trained very hard for this moment, but we must move forward. I am sure we can put another layer of icing on a very tasty cake”.

Armstrong strikes twice as Universities outgun Services

English Universities beat Combined Services Under-23s (37-6)
Twickenham Stadium, 5 May 2007

Report by Simon Mills, RFU

English Universities produced a superbly entertaining display of running rugby to establish their superiority over the Combined Services at Twickenham.

The students side had a point to prove after last year’s 26-23 defeat ended their 10-year winning streak in the series.

They made it in style by running in six sparkling tries, with Leeds Met wing Scott Armstrong touching down twice and impressive scores from Loughborough lock Ben Griffiths and full-back Tom Chesters, Exeter wing Hamish Smales, and St Mary’s prop Dan Murphy.

The Universities looked sharper from the opening minutes and their dominance up front gave their dangerous runners the chance to create too many openings for the Services to cover.

Captain Ben Griffiths (Loughborough) ploughed over in the corner after a line-out drive five minutes into the game to get them on the board with Rory Wood (Herts) adding a penalty soon after.

It was out wide where the Services were really stretched, particularly by Armstrong's pace, Liam Lonergan's movement and some sharp thinking in attack.

Scrum-half Wood created the second score with a tap and go break that took him 40 metres before he unloaded for Armstrong's opening try, and 10 minutes before the break Lonergan and Armstrong combined on the right to put full-back Chesters into the corner.

Services dug in again though and two penalties from Phil Thomas at least kept them in the game at 18-6 down at the break.

But their chances evaporated in the third quarter, when Armstrong cut them to pieces with a superb solo effort down the right and then when they were reduced to 14 men after scrum-half Ryan Walsh was yellow-carded for a high tackle on hooker Jon Moyce.

The Universities took advantage with a dazzling fifth try, Armstrong's initial break followed by half-a-dozen ambitious off-loads before Smales struck in the corner and Chesters added a touchline conversion.

A sixth followed from Murphy in the dying seconds with Chris Ashwin converting with the final kick of the game.

English Universities: Tom Chesters (Loughborough); Hamish Smales (Exeter), Liam Lonergan (St Mary’s), Phil Ellis (Herts), Scott Armstrong (Leeds Met), Dale Taylor (Durham), Rory Wood (Herts); Dan Murphy (St Mary’s), Jon Moyce (St Mary’s), Jamie Pearson (Birmingham), Ben Griffiths (Loughborough, captain), Dave Clements (Loughborough), Gary Holmes (Bath), Tom Yellowlees (Loughborough), Mark George (Hartpury). Replacements: Matt Cross (Loughborough), Tim Pickard (Worcester), Rob Anderson (Imperial Medics), Harry Rowland (St Mary’s), Rob Springall (Nottingham), Chris Ashwin (Bath), Jake Guastella (Loughborough).

Combined Services U-23: Spr Rhydis Slade Jones; OCdt Mark Willis, OCdt Adam Newns, LCpl Jason Mills, Cpl Andrew Banks, Cpl Phil Thomas; Pte Ryan Walsh; SAC Stu Bratt, Mid Dale Smith, LCpl Dean Chapman, OCdt Dave Ferguson (capt), LCpl Nick Steynberg, SAC Paul Bowen, 2Lt Rory Thompson, OM(W) Gareth Cadmore. Replacements: SAC Joe Avazian, CH Was Wasagatoni, Bdr Kenny Dowding, Pte Joe Baker, SAC Dai Birkby, Sub Lt Tom Glover, SAC Karl Craven

Report courtesy of RFU

Army Women victorious again

Army Women beat Royal Navy Women (36-3)
Kneller Hall, 5 May 2007

Report by Roger Thompson

The Army Women demolished a stout hearted Navy side by 36pts-3 at Kneller Hall on 5 May. Sharing the venue with the Veterans for an early kick-off, the match drew an enthusiastic crowd estimated at 2,000 who reminded the Women that their followers would accept nothing but the best. They were not disappointed.

Victory gave the Army the Inter Services Crown for the sixth time, a strong indication that the Women's game is now founded on both depth and quality. Indeed two of the Army's England players, Ann O'Flynn and Jane Leonard, were unavailable.

The Navy opened the scoring with a well struck penalty by Beth Simons but thereafter it was wave after wave of red jerseys attacking the Blues line. When the Navy did regain possession, and they ran well, the Army defensive structure kept its shape and this team can tackle.

Led into the fray by England representative and captain Kat Woods the Army pack dominated the exchanges at close quarters and provided copious quantities of quick ball for scrum half Kerry Fitzpatrick to pass and run.

Fitzpatrick scored a try and converted three for a personal tally of eleven points. Her all round presence in attack attracted the Blues defence away from the proven strike force of ‘Sonic’ Homer who touched down for the final try and Titilia Bani who surged powerfully to score in the 23rd minute. Bani was always on the lookout for work and popped up in places that must have given coach Dean Lewis nightmares.

The ever present flanker Amie Williams, centre Sarah Roper and fly half Sarah Hudson scored second half tries that ensured the Army again collected the silverware.

This is an Army side with all-round strength that has had an unbeaten season against proven opposition. Such performances must encourage the players and their coaches realistically to challenge the best non-professional teams in the country.

Army Veterans show the way

Army Veterans beat Ancient Mariners (53-0)
Kneller Hall, 5 May 2007

Report by Roger Thompson

Army Rugby Union Veterans convincingly beat the Royal Navy Ancient Mariners 53pts-0 at Kneller Hall to regain the Veterans Inter-Services title.

On a colder morning than was forecast, the Army Veterans rugby team was clearly boiling as they lined up against their Royal Navy arch enemies to decide the Inter Services Veterans Rugby Competition in this the ARU Centenary Year. With the formalities over, thanks to the Royal Navy Reserve Band and salute taken by CGS General Sir Richard Dannatt, the match got underway.

After a blistering first 20 minutes, the Army Veterans were 26 points in front thanks to tries by Major Mike Nawaqaliva (RLC), SSgt Taff Reed (RE) and two from WO1 Hywel Thomas (REME) with conversions also by Reed. Following a severe injury to the ever present and explosive Major Mike Campbell (RLC), the pressure lapsed but the Army never released its iron grip on the match. The Navy hardly had a look-in as their minor forays into the Army half were constantly snuffed out by fierce defensive tackling from Army players.

Late in the second half, after regrouping and further replacements, the Army reasserted its dominance with tries from Skipper Major Steve Burton (AGC), WO2 Taff Lock, Sgt Dale Jeffries (RA) and two from SSgt Andy Kershaw; a conversion by SSgt Kevin Davies (RE) sealed a complete and well deserved victory.

Following this calculated delivery of controlled rugby, coach, Capt Ian Wilkins (AGC), was delighted at the team's performance. Chairman of the Army Veterans, Lt Col Andy Allen (REME) said: 'Following last year's narrow defeat, we wanted a clinical and emphatic win in order to re-establish ourselves as the number one Services veterans team. What you witnessed today was probably the best Army Veterans team to grace the Inter-Services tournament. Our ultimate goal is Gold at the 2009 World Masters in Sydney Australia, and this win sets the platform on which to build a winning team".

Army put Airmen into tailspin

Army beat RAF (54-10)
Aldershot, 25 April 2007

Report by Roger Thompson

The Army beat the RAF by 54pts-10 at Aldershot. It could have been closer to a ton if the Swiss-style intricacies of the Army attacks had matched perfectly the galloping dynamics of their general play.

The Army prevailed by eight tries to one to claim another ‘winner-takes-all’ battle against the Royal Navy at Twickenham. The Royal Air Force, led in to every tight corner by the veteran No 8 Howard Parr, never let go and they will feel aggrieved that they left Aldershot with only bruises to show for their valiant efforts to stem the inevitable tide of Reds’ jerseys.

The Reds played with authority and imagination and yet too many final passes went astray to rank this as a classic. Individuals performed to the very highest of standards and above all it was good to see skipper Mal Roberts (RLC) back to his rip-roaring best. Roberts turned in a superb try, converted it and put the icing on six others.

The Army pack was superb. The lightening quick back three Isoa Damudamu (4 Scots), Gareth Libbey (RE) and Ledua Jope (AGC) squeezed the life out of the RAF to construct attacking positions in almost every corner of the park. The heavy cavalry thundered in to ruck and maul led by Rob Sugden (Coldm Gds) who has come of age in an Army shirt. The virtuoso performance didn’t even stutter when Ben Hughes (RE) was sin-binned for ‘over exuberance’.

It was set piece dominance and exploitation of the long line-out that enabled the Army to create a plethora of openings through and round the first line of the air defence. Not everything went to hand but when it did it was magic. Peceli Nacamavuto (RE) glided into space before turning on the gas. New cap Malakai Magnus (RLC), ever flying towards the try line, celebrated with two tries from the Fijian text book of scores to remember.

The RAF had their moments but too frequently entered the defensive cul-de sac and were forced to kick. Roberts turned defence into attack, Nacamavuto ran cleverly in support and one of the back row was inevitably on hand to set up an attacking ruck. All good stuff appreciated by an enthusiastic crowd.

At the final count the Army tries were scored by Damudamu (2), Jope (2), Nacamavuto (2), Magnus and Roberts, four apiece for forwards and backs which sums up a balanced night's work.

Twickenham beckons. The Royal Navy will be a different kettle of fish. Their very big men will test the Army defences like no time in the last ten years.

Dark Blues on the road to Twickenham

Navy beat RAF (57-3)
Newbury RFC, 11 April 2007

Report by Roger Thompson

The Royal Navy continued its march to Twickenham with a resounding win 57pts-3 against the Royal Air Force at Newbury. The matelots savoured victory with an astonishing array of tries from their backs once the forwards had seized the game by the scruff of the neck.

The blunt truth is that an overstretched RAF was unable to meet the Navy on equal terms anywhere outside the scrum and although the Airmen rallied manfully to play some fluent rugby in the third quarter, they were playing only for pride.

The new regimen under Cdr Mark Deller is producing some very balanced and exciting rugby. Skipper Dave Pascoe continues to lead from the front whilst fly half Mne Matt Rhodes launched the Dark Blues backs with a stream of swift well directed passes. There is no doubt, though, that the large calibre guns are in the centre and on the wings.

The Navy backs are like a front row with the skids under them. They are big and powerful but they are also gifted footballers and each one is a game breaker. OM Jamie Caruana and Cpl Greg Barden are live to the tactical opportunities and there is a synergism as each plays off the other. One delightful try, which ended Caruana to Barden then to Fijian wing CH Josh Drauniniu came from each pass being held until the moment of maximum effect-- by which time it was to late for the RAF.

Each of the remaining tries came from the marauding presence of one of the backs who broke sufficient tackles and willpower to provide an overlap. Drauniniu scored two in the first half and when rugby league star SA Silivenusi Buinimasi came on as a substitute centre, the air defence was in tatters.

It would be wrong not to record the most unexpected 50m break of the season by veteran prop LAET Dan Parkes. After a deal of thumping and casting off would-be tacklers, Parkes found himself with the ball in space. He took the option to run and outstripped all but the final line of Light Blue cover.

Power is the essence of the Navy game and they are to a man highly mobile. You can stake your last dollar on the fact that after tonight’s 50 point victory they are massively motivated for their meeting with the Army at Twickenham.