When: 21 Sep 11
Who: Inter Corps XV
Where: Aldershot
Result: Won

When: 5 Oct 11
Who: Shelford
Where: Shelford
Result: Won 40-10

When: 19 Oct 10
Who: Infantry
Where: Tidworth
Result: Lost 21-20

When: 9 Nov 10
Who: REME
Where: Arborfield
Result: Lost 19-36

When: 7 Dec 11
Who: RLC
Where: Abbingdon
Result:Lost 12-3

When: 12 Jan 12
Who: Signals
Where: Chatham
Result:Won 43-12

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The Sappers kicked off the 2011/12 Season with a superb display throughout the day at the Corps XV Competition in Aldershot. Having lost their title to the REME last year they were determined to regain the trophy. Several new faces took to the field eager to catch the eye of Head Coach Gareth Evans. The opening game of the day saw the Sappers face off against their old rivals the Royal Artillery, in the end it was a comfortable 10-0 victory with some impressive defence in the final few minutes to ensure the Gunners didn't get a score. After a short break the REME were next up, where the Sappers easily defeated the defending champions 27-5. The RLC proved a tougher test as the Sappers found it harder to break down the defence and wound up drawing 7-7. The next two games vs the Signals and Infantry proved to be tough outings as well with the Sappers beating the Signals 13-7 and just scraped a win against the Infantry 22-19.

After the maths had been done and points difference figured out the Sappers were scheduled to meet the REME for the second time on the Stadium pitch. Despite tiredness creeping in the Sappers put in their best display of the day running out 33-3 winners and regaining the Inter Corps XV Trophy, with several players putting their name in the hat for Gareth Evans' squad selection for the opening game of the Season vs the Infantry.

Speaking with Head Coach Gareth Evans after the game he said he was very impressed with several players, including Noxy Laqero who having recently returned from Afghanistan put in a dominant performance all day. His player of the Tournament though went to Scrum half 'Zak' Vakasawaqa who was superb, scoring several tries helping the Sappers regain the Corps XV Trophy. Here's what Gareth had to say about him:

Inter Corps XVs Player of the Tournament - Zav Vakasawaqa
 
"Playing against the REME in the second game of the day Zac was simply outstanding, his distribution to Tom Best at outside half was as sharp as I have ever seen and this allowed the Sapper back line to consistantly have time to break the gain line.  Coupled with his ability to make dynamic breaks around the fringes of the contact area this ensured that the Sappers were always on the front foot gaining an emphatic victory.
 
During the fifth game of the day against the Infantry with the team losing by 14 - 5, Zac went on as a replacement to increase the pace and tempo of the game.  He immediately made an impact scoring a try himself and playing a major part in creating opportunities that were taken by Matt Curgenven and Cavs Cavalata which led to a hard fought 22 - 19 victory.
 
It was in the Final that Zac showed his true class with a consumate performance, at the heart of everything including an awsome display of defensive covering tackles.  Zac again scored another excellent try and thoroughly deserves his Player of the Tournament award."

The Royal Engineers continued where they left off from the Corps XV Competition by convincingly beating Shelford 40 points to 10 in an entertaining match in which the Sappers fielded several new players hoping to impress Head Coach Gareth Evans and put their name in the hat to feature in the opening fixture of the Corps Championship against the Infantry. Included in the starting lineup was Wes Wessells who has recently returned from Afghanistan and is flying out to Australia to join the Army Senior Team as they continue their quest to win the International Defence Rugby Competition. Wes looked exceptionally sharp, scoring one try and helping to set up another.

After enjoying several days of sunshine during the past week, Autumn looked to have arrived as a swirling wind blew around the ground, bringing with it a few few rain showers as well. The Sappers got off to a good start enjoying some posession early on in the Shelford half earning a penalty after a few minutes. Despite a good strike the kick sailed wide, with the wind playing its part. It wasn't long before the Sappers got on the board though, this time a penalty from directly infront of the posts was successfully converted.

From the ensuing kick off the Sappers launched a great attack spreading the ball wide early skipping through defenders tackles, from where Wessells recieved the ball on half way and brilliantly finished the move off underneath the posts.

A little while later the Sappers crossed the line again, following another well worked move, which involved great movement and vision using the whole width of the pitch to cross in the far corner to extend their lead. The visitors were taking command of the game and performing well, however as they looked to set up another attack a stray pass went straight into the path of a Shelford player who gratefully raced to the line to keep the home side in touch with the Sappers. That closed out the scoring for the first half with the Sappers leading 15-10.

The Sappers continued their dominance into the second half, putting pressure on the home side, with Wessells again continuing to shine from full back, providing a solid base from which to set up their attacks. The Engineers extended their lead following a scrum five metres out from the Shelford try line. The Shelford scrum half fed the ball which then popped out on the far side and was collected by a Sapper to easily cross the try line.

The Sappers began to hit their stride and set up another attack from their own scrum on their own 22. They worked the ball down the near touchline and then quickly spread the ball across the pitch offloading the ball well to really stretch the Shelford defence. The Engineers made good use of their speed on the wing to finsish off the move in the corner, rounding off some excellent phases of rugby.

A short while later the Sappers capitalised on another Shelford mistake at the scrum from five metres out, where the ball popped out and the Sapper scrum half reacted quickly to take advantage and dive over for the try.

There was time for one final try as the match drew to a close. The Sappers set up their attack following a scrum on the Shelford 22. They shipped the ball to the left and gained good yards following the good running lanes by the backs. A couple plays of the ball later and the Sapper Centre crashed through the defence to cross the try line and round off an excellent evening for the visitors who were in fine form.

Despite several Senior players being absent in Australia with the Senior team the Sappers showed they have plenty of strength in depth and have provided Head Coach Gareth Evans with several options as he decides on his starting XV for the opening game of the Corps Championship against the Infantry in two weeks.

Man of the Match -  Max Ledua

With a number of players making their debut for the Sappers there were some notable performances not least from Joe Ulikedekede, Richie Warmington, Lodi Waqa and Cavs Cavalata.  The most impressive performance of the night though went to Max Ledua, starting on the wing and finishing in the centre Max looked dangerous everytime he had the ball, constantly breaking the Shelford gain line and ultimately scoring 2 tries.  Coupled with a strong defensive performance Max thoroughly deserves his man of the Match award.

Squad: 1. Mark Eastley 2. Garry Windle 3. Rich Kilbey 4. Joe Ulikedekede 5. Tom Price 6. Eli 7. Gareth Libbey 8. Richie Warmington 9. Mike Lawton 10. Glyn Jones 11. Max Ledua 12. Lloyd Wells 13. Lodi Waqa 14. Cavs Cavalata 15. Gerhard Wessells 16. Andy Cardogan 17. Cam Maclaren 18. Suli Talakai 19. Francis Fenwick Wilson 20. Lee Melia 21. Sekope Lako 22. Jon Bowie 23. Jake Campey

The Royal Engineers kicked off their Corps Championship campaign with a tricky encounter away to a tough Infantry team at Tidworth. The Infantry home has proved to be a bad omen for the Sappers who lost there two years ago, and it was to be the same outcome this time around as well. Conditions were good at the start of the game with the sun shining, despite the wind chill, although heavy showers were on the way. Despite having several first team members away with the Army squad in New Zealand the Sappers still managed to put out a strong side, mixing experience with young blood, Skippered by Gareth Libbey.

The Infantry opened up the scoring fairly early in the game breaking up a Sapper attack and then shipping the ball to their backs to exploit gaps on the wing. The ball was chipped downfield and despite a push off the ball by the Infantry player on full back Slade-Jones the home team were awarded the try after touching down by the posts.

The Sappers had opportunities to level the scores, however were let down by errors. Things weren't made any easier for the two teams when the heavens opened midway through the first half. After converting a penalty kick earlier, the Engineers came close to crossing the try line after a good attack saw the ball shipped wide following good play by the backs, however the winger caught the touchline and play was brought back for a lineout. The Sappers kept piling on the pressure as the first half drew to a close and following several phases deep inside the Infantry 22' they were eventually awarded a penalty which Rhydian Slade-Jones converted to close the gap to 6-7 at half time.

As the second half started the rain had eased and the clouds made way for the sun to make a welcome re-appearence. The Sappers put pressure on the Infantry defence early on and eventually took the lead for the first time as Maku Koroiyadi finished off a good move by the forwards, driving the ball from a scrum inside the 22 across the try line. The Infantry replied however to retake the lead, working the ball from a lineout just inside the Sapper half. The Infantry centre recieved a good offload to break through the defence and took advantage of poor tackling to go underneath the posts.

The Sappers had a chance to close the gap with a long distance penalty, which came up just short from fly half Tom Best. From the resulting play however the Infantry would cross the try line themselves and extend their lead. After clearing their lines the Infantry defence stood firm against the Sappers' attack and managed to strip the ball in the tackle on halfway and launch an attack of their own. They moved the ball well down the left side and then stretched the Sapper defence exploiting gaps from where their winger kicked the ball downfield for his teammate to collect and score the try.

As time wound down the Sappers knew they had to score twice to win the game. They rallied well and got a good drive going with the forwards pounding the ball well through the Infantry defence. As the Infantry tried to stop the Sappers from advancing they gave up several penalties and eventually the referee would show two yellow cards which reduced the home team to 13 players. The Sappers capitalised on the two man advantage and eventually crossed the line with Joe Uluikedekede scoring the try. Slade-Jones converted however time had expired and the Infantry took the win 21-20.

Following the loss the Sappers must now win their remaining games to stand a chance of getting to the Corps Final, which will be no easy task with the next game away to the REME on November 9th.

Sapperrugby Team: 1. Dave Sharpe 2. Garry Windle 3. Cam Maclaren 4. Joe Uluikedekede 5. Fenwick-Wilson 6. Maku Koroiyadi 7. Gareth Libbey 8. Ledua Jope 9. Mike Lawton 10. Tom Best 11. Jnr Wailatu 12. Max Ledua 13. Lodi Waqa 14. John Bowie 15. Rhydian Slade-Jones Subs: 16. Tom Smith 17. Luke Rokovardo 18. Lee Wagner 19. Ancel Lupke 20. Suli Talakai 21. Eli Mailulu 22. Nic Ash 23. Bruno Green

Team Manager: Mike Thomas Head Coach: Gareth Evans Coaches: Vic Reeves, Bruno Green

Kit Manager: Daz Crooks Physio: Sam Emery

Highlights & Match Report: J. Fowke

In a rematch of last years Corps Championship Final the defending champions REME hosted their rivals the Royal Engineers. It was a must win game for both sides having lost their opening games. Both teams were missing several first team players due to the Combined Services playing a Gloucester Presidents XV the night before at Kingsholm as part of the Remembrance game.

It was the REME who got off to the perfect start. From a lineout just outside the Sapper 22’ they shipped the ball to their fly half who darted forward between the onrushing defence, skipping through three missed tackles on his way to opening the scoring just to the left of the posts.

The Sappers came back with pressure of their own setting up shop inside the REME half trying to find a way through the defence. They let themselves down with penalties and failed to capitalise on opportunities when they presented themselves. They came close to scoring when scrum half Zak Vakasawaqa used his speed to zip between two tacklers. He was brought down just short of the try line however he was able to cleverly pop up the ball to the supporting Jnr Wailatu on the wing, the ball however was just too low to collect for the score and the knock on gave the REME a scrum 5 metres out.

Despite the Sappers dominance in the first half the REME defence stood firm. Rhydian Slade-Jones came close to converting a penalty but the ball sailed wide, leaving the visitors frustrated at their inability to convert their pressure into points. They often put together some good phases building pressure however it was often the final pass that went astray.

To add to their frustration after repelling attack after attack the REME drove the ball downfield and following a penalty 5 metres out they added to their lead. They drove the Sappers back in the scrum and drove over for the try which was converted.
The Sappers started again and from the kickoff they were given a scrum inside the REME half in the centre of the field. They shipped the ball to the right and were able to recycle quickly through the phases. They then stretched the defence back to the left with Ken Davey showing good skills offloading well in the tackle to allow Junior Wailatu to cut back in off the touchline and finally get the score for the visitors, using his strength to cross the try line despite the best efforts of two tacklers.

As the first half drew to a close the Sappers continued with their excellent spell of territory. They were on the attack once more with the forwards driving well, in particular Jope and Lupke did a good job carrying the ball to gain good yards. Tom Best who came on to replace the injured Nic Ash at fly half briefly lost the ball after trying a chip over the defence, however Zak Vakasawaqa was able to re-gather it and shipped the to Rhydian Slade-Jones who employed the same tactic and following a good bounce was able to gather and beat the defender to cross for the try. That closed out the first half with the REME despite their lack of territory and possession just edging out the Sappers 14-12.

Despite playing a full 80 minutes the night before for the Combined Services Ceri Cummings came on at Full Back to add his influence to the game for the home team. Just with the first half the REME started the second with a try. They launched their attack following a deep kick from the Sappers, with Cummings getting in the mix early and offloading well to the scrum half who chipped nicely over the defence for their winger to collect the ball out wide and come back in to score under the posts.

The home side then enjoyed a sustained period of pressure themselves. They set up camp deep inside the Sapper half trying to extend their lead and take full control of the game. Despite their best efforts the Sapper defence did a good job at repelling the REME attack, driving them back just yards away from the line.

Following the period of pressure from the REME the Sappers eventually got some breathing space and were setting up an attack of their own. Following a scrum they worked the ball across the pitch, with Ryhdian Slade-Jones gaining good yards running onto the ball on the blindside. With the defence on the back foot the Sappers were able to recycle the ball quickly allowing Jope to powerfully drive over for the score with Slade-Jones adding a good conversion from out wide on the touchline.

Unfortunately that was as close as the Sappers would get to catching the REME, who later on launched another attack, with their fly half launching the ball into the air from midfield for their winger to collect well and beat the last defender to extend their lead. It wasn’t long before the REME once again crossed the try line, drawing the defence in on the far side of the pitch before shipping the ball quickly to create the overlap allowing their winger to once again cross the try line in the corner.

The Sappers tried to rally, but the final try had put the game out of reach and in the dying minutes the REME added a further 3 points with a penalty, with the final whistle blowing just minutes later giving the REME the win with the final score: 36-19.

It was a frustrating day for the Engineer team who fielded a good team and had many opportunities to score however couldn’t convert their chances. There were several players who shone for the visitors including Garry Windle in the front row using his experience and leadership skills as well as Jope and Ancel Lupke who carried the ball well. Ken Davey also had a good game at full back running the ball well and organising the defence.
It was at vital times however that the game was lost, with the final pass not going to hand on several occasions in attack and missed tackles in defence resulting in REME points.
The result now means that the Sappers are unlikely to reach the Corps Final now unless other results go their way. It is the first time in five years that the Sappers have lost two in a row and they will hope to get their first win of the season in their final game of 2011, which will be no easy feat as they travel away to take on the RLC on December 7th.

Sapperrugby 1. Luke Rokovardo 2. Garry Windle 3. Nathan Young 4. Joe Ulikedekede 5. Tom Price 6. Ancel Lupke 7. Gareth Libbey 8. Ledua Jope 9. Alipate Vakasawaqa 10. Nic Ash 11. Jnr Wailatu 12. Matt Curgenven 13. Lodi Waqa 14. Rhydian Slade-Jones 15. Ken Davey 16. Andy Cadogen 17. Cam MacLaren 18. Lee Wagner 19. Maku Koroiyadi 20. Suli Talakai 21. Rob Taylor 22. Mike Lawton 23. Tom Best 24. Fraser Deeming

Director of Rugby: Richard Garrett Team Manager: Mike Thomas Head Coach: Gareth Evans Coaching Staff: Frankie Green Kit Manager: Daz Crooks Physios: Sam Emery & Lianne

Match Report & Video Highlights Jonathan Fowke

The Sappers final fixture of 2011 saw them travel to Abingdon to take on the RLC. The visitors were coming in off the back of two consecutive losses and were hoping to avoid a third, whilst the RLC had narrowly beaten the Infantry in their previous fixture.
A few big names returned to the Sapper starting line up including World Cup winners Gerhard Wessels and Gus Qasevakatini and also Rob Taylor returned in the second row, having come off the bench in the previous round. The RLC fielded a typically strong side, which included their own World Cup winners in Joe Kava at Number 8, and Malakai Magnus on the wing.

On a very cold and windy afternoon the Sappers received the opening kick off and straight away enjoyed some good territory in the opening few minutes. They were awarded an early penalty on the 22’ in front of the posts however the attempt from Slade-Jones fell just short, with the wind playing a big part, as it did all day, blowing across the pitch. From the restart the Sappers were back on the attack and thought they had scored in the corner however Matt Curgenven just put a foot in touch before he was able to touch down.

The visitors kept up their dominance in the first half and found themselves with another chance to open the scoring as they were awarded a penalty this time just outside the 22’ to the right of the posts. Despite a good strike of the ball, once again the attempt fell just short. Following the dropout by the RLC the Sappers launched another attack probing the RLC defence moving the ball right and then over to the left, where Matt Curgenven received the ball out wide and was unlucky again not to get the opening try as the RLC defence got across to force him out into touch just short of the try line.

Following the Engineers opening spell of territory the RLC gradually crept into the game, putting together some good phases of rugby and stretching the Sapper defence. They were helped along with penalties to give them good field position however they were let down as passes went astray and they turned the bal over on several occasions for the Sappers to clear their lines.

The Engineers kept plugging away and continued to enjoy good spells in the RLC half. Jope carried the ball well from the base of the scrum and Slade-Jones and Curgenven were both able to break through the defence on several occasions. Their persistence paid off as they were awarded another penalty a few metres outside the 22’ in front of the posts, which Rhydian Slade-Jones converted to give the Sappers a 3-0 lead.

Both teams enjoyed periods of pressure as the first half winded down, however neither could capitalise on their opportunities and the first half concluded with the Sappers just edging out the RLC 3-0, however with all of their possession and chances it should have been a bigger lead.

As the second half commenced it was the hosts who had early possession and territory inside the Sappers half. They used good pace in defence to rush up and prevent the Sappers from spreading the ball wide and following a clearing kick by Slade-Jones the RLC reclaimed the ball and launched an attack down the touchline. Their winger skipped through tackles and chipped ahead for his teammate to collect and offload for the RLC to score the first try of the game, which after the conversion gave them a 7-3 lead.

The Engineers withstood further attacks from the RLC following the try and stood firm under pressure. Shortly afterwards they were back on the attack themselves, with Jope using his power to break through tackles and set up good field position. After being awarded another penalty the Sappers elected to kick for goal, however the wind once again played its part as the kick went wide.

Substitute scrum half Zak Vakasawaqa did a good job of injecting pace into the game and helped set up another attack as he broke away nicely from tacklers after collecting a kick from the RLC full back, however following a few more phases the referee awarded a penalty to the RLC who were able to clear once again. It became a common them as the visitors gave up costly penalties, turning the ball over to their opponents. Life in that area is very frustrating......

After being awarded a penalty themselves the Engineers were able to set up an attack deep in RLC territory. Following a lineout the forwards came to within inches of scoring a try, however after several failed attempts the ball was shipped wide only for a pass to go astray allowing the RLC to kick ahead on the counter attack. The resulting play would then see the RLC extend their lead as the Engineers missed touch with a penalty allowing the RLC to attack from deep. Joe Kava was once again involved in the thick of things as he powered through the defence helping set up a platform and the ball was quickly shipped wide where the RLC capitalised on an overlap and poor defensive organisation to go over for the score, which following the missed conversion gave the hosts 12-3 lead heading into the final ten minutes.

As the final minutes ticked down the Sappers had an opportunity to get a consolation score however despite repeated phases of recycling the ball they just couldn’t find a way through the defence, and when they finally created a gap on the wing Qasevakatini couldn’t collect the ball and the knock on finished the game as the referee blew for full time.

The loss handed the Sappers their third straight defeat for the first time in over six years, the team couldn’t capitalise on their chances, with turnovers and penalties costing them dear. Senior players need to 'step up' in the next two games. Their next opponent is the Royal Signals at Chatham which will likely decide who will finish bottom of the Corps Championship. The Engineers will hope that they can rebound strongly in the new year and turn this bad slump in form around.

Sapperrugby 1. Matt McLaren 2. Garry Windle 3. Mark Eastley 4. Joe Ulikedekede 5. Rob Taylor 6. Rich Warmington 7. Eli Malluli 8. Ledua Jope 9. Mike Lawton 10. Tom Best 11. Gus Qasevakatini 12. Matt Curgenven 13. Gerhard Wessells 14. Rhydian Slade-Jones 15. Ken Davey 16. Andy Cadogen 17. Alipate Vakasawaqa 18. Lee Wagner 19. Chris Shorter 20. Fenwick Wilson 21. Tom Price 22. Fraser Deeming

Director of Rugby: Richard Garrett Team Manager: Mike Thomas Head Coach: Gareth Evans Coaching Staff: Frankie Green Kit Manager: Daz Crooks Physio: Ant Marx

Match Report & Video Highlights Jonathan Fowke

The Sappers entered 2012 without a single victory in the latest Corps Championship campaign and looked to kick start the new year in the best possible way and get back on track. They welcomed the Royal Signals to Chatham for their first home game of the season in a bottom of the table clash, an unusual experience for the Engineers in recent years.

The Sappers were missing a few big names such as Garry Windle who has featured regularly this season, as well as Senior Army players Reeves, Nacavamuto, Hughes & Seru. Despite this they welcomed back into the line up Darrell Ball, back from injury after captaining the Army to World Cup Success last year. Wessells and Laqekoro also returned to bolster the squad.

The home side got the game underway and enjoyed a good spell of possession in the Signals half with Jope and Laqekoro making an immediate impact with some good carries early on. The Sappers looked to play with a quick tempo and used the size and quickness available to them well to put the Signals on the back foot. Winger Matt Curgenven came close to opening the scoring following a good flowing attack down the far touchline, however he was tackled into touch. The Sappers were awarded a free kick from a scrum shortly after which was taken quickly allowing Darrell Ball to drive for the line. He was tackled just short but the ball was recycled and shipped to the right were Laqekoro eventually crossed for the games opening score, with the conversion added by Slade-Jones, making for an impressive start for the Sappers.

The Signals found it difficult to get any good territory, only making it into the Sapper half on a few occasions. The Sappers were awarded a penalty just inside the Signals half from where Clegg found touch around the 22. From the resulting lineout the ball was shipped wide quickly to speedy winger Bakoso who broke through the defence and stormed down the touchline. The last defender was able to get a hand in to prevent the offload to the supporting Curgenven. The Sappers won the lineout and following a knock on the Sappers had a scrum five metres from the line allowing Jope to pick up from the base and go over in the corner for a simple try, increasing the Sappers lead.

The Signals kept plugging away and broke into the Sappers half on a couple of occasions as the half developed, however they were still unable to get into the 22 letting themselves down with poor handling at times. The Sappers were impressive going forward and capitalising on the Signals mistakes. Supporting runners picked good lines to help prolong attacks and break through the opposing defence.

Scrum half ‘Zak’ Vakasawaqa played a key role in keeping the game flowing at a quick pace, keeping the Signals on the back foot. He helped set up the Sappers third try of the game with a brilliant run through the defence following a turn over. Bakoso was on hand to collect the ball and cross over for the try, extending the lead further. Slade-Jones added the conversion to give the home side firm control over the game.

Soon after the Signals enjoyed their best spell of the game, finally breaking into the Sapper 22 and enjoying a sustained period in the Engineer half. Lead by Captain Dave Bates they set about getting their first try of the game. The Sappers defence stood firm with some good tackling preventing the Signals from using quick ball and shipping it wide. Following a couple of penalties however the Signals were set up in prime position just a few metres from the try line. The referee blew up for another penalty, which the Signals took quickly and eventually went over for their first points of the game.

The Sappers came close to scoring just before the break, with the impressive Curgenven looking to finish off a great attacking move however he just crept out into touch skipping away from a defender and the referee blew up for half time.

The Sappers kept up their posative performance right from the second half kick off. Rhydian Slade-Jones finished off another good move supporting Bakoso as he broke through the defence. He took the offload on the outside and ran in for the try.

Shortly afterwards Matt Curgenven capped off an fine display with a try of his own. Following a clearing kick by the Signals defence Curgenven started the move just inside his own half passing the ball wide where Bakoso sped down the wing. When he was eventually brought down the ball was recycled quickly with Laqekoro and Jope combining well. Curgenven was on hand to receive the ball from Jope and crossed for a great try putting the game well out of reach for the Signals.

The Sappers next try came from more straight line running. Jope and Bakoso were both involved again and scrum half Vakasawaqa broke free on half way gaining good ground. He off loaded brilliantly in the tackle round the back of the defender to the supporting Slade-Jones who went over for his second of the game.

Despite the score the Signals kept their heads up. They came back with a lengthy spell of possession inside the Sapper half looking to add another try. They were let down on a couple of occasions giving away penalties at key points halting their progress. Eventually though the pressure told and the visitors crossed the line with their Captain Dave Bates leading the way crossing over from the base of the scrum.

As time wound down there was time for one final score with substitute Rich Warmington carrying the ball over from the scrum to close out the game and seal an impressive outing with the Engineers winning 43-12.

There were several stand out performers for the Sappers in what was an very good display of rugby. The home side produced their best rugby of the season with good attacking moves and support play. Despite the frustrating season of poor performances the Sappers have shown what they are capable of and will look to build on this performance heading into the final and most important game of the season against their rivals the Artillery. Despite not being able to reach the Corps Final the game vs the Gunners at Chatham will serve to be their own ‘final’ this season on 29th February. Reported by J Fowke.

Sapperrugby 1. Cam Mclaren 2. 3. Mark Eastley 4. Joe Ulikedekede 5. Tom Price 6. Noxy Laqekoro 7. Darrell Ball 8. Ledua Jope 9. Zak Vakasawaqa 10. Gavin Clegg 11. Taniela Bakoso 12. Gerhard Wessells 13. 14. Matt Curgenven 15. Rhydian Slade-Jones 16. Chris Lowry 17. Nathan Young 18. 19. Rich Warmington 20. Hanzel Lupke