|
When:
20 Feb 08
Who: AGC
- U
Where: Chatham
Result: Walkover
- 2pts |
When:
20 Feb 08
Who: R
Sigs- U
Where: Minley
Result: Won
- 29 - 0 |
When:
19 Mar 08
Who: RLC
- U - Final
Where: Aldershot
Result: Won
- 36 - 11 |
When:
4 Apr 08
Who: Gateshead
Thunder Where: Gateshead
Result: |
When:
23 Apr 08
Who: The
RAC - L
Where: Chatham
Result: |
When: 7
March 07
Who: -
RLC
- U - Final
Where:
- Aldershot
Result: -
Won
20 - 15 |
When: 18
July 06
Who: Lawson
Cup Final
Where: Aldershot
- RAC
Result: -
Won
48 - 28 |
W7en: 17
Oct 06
Who: The
Gunners - U
Where:
Chatham
Result:
Won
28 - 10 |
When:
27 Oct 07
Who:
South African DF
Where:
Minley
Result:
Won
- 29 - 20 |
When: 14
Nov 07
Who: Infantry
- U
Where: Catterick
Result: Walkover
- 2pts |
When: 5
Dec 07
Who:
REME - U
Where: Arborfield
Result: Won
- 56 - 0 |
When: 16
Jan 08
Who:
RLC - U
Where: -
Aldershot
Result: Won
- 21-10 |
|
|
 |
|
Sapperrugby
v The Royal Signals
- Wednesday 20 February 2008 |
|
Following
a late withdrawal by the AGC, the Royal Signals stepped up
to play the Sappers at Minley In the final regular game of
the season.
Fortunately, come kick off the heavy morning fog had lifted
and the Engineers could complete their undefeated regular
season finishing comfortable winners in the end 29
- 0, going 5 - 0 on the season.
The game was far from spectacular with the Sappers lacking
the cutting edge that we were used to seeing from them over
the course of the season, added to that was a spirited performance
from the Royal Signals who put out a strong and experienced
side which would test the Engineers throughout.
Several players were recalled to the starting line up including
Eugene Viljeon, Andrew
Gill and Rhydian Slade-Jones
although the Sappers were without ‘Nakka’,
Ben Seru and Joe
Jope.
It was Sam Sema who opened the
scoring for the Sappers 15 minutes into the game finishing
off a well worked move, spreading the ball across the pitch
to score in the corner. Vic Reeve
continued his excellent goal kicking from the previous game
by adding the conversion to put the Sappers up 7
- 0.
Not to be outdone by the backs the Engineer forwards’
made their mark on the game, taking the ball from a lineout
5 metres out a driving towards the try line for skipper Ben
Hughes to dive over with the ball to increase the lead,
following the successful conversion, to 14
- 0.
The Signals did put some pressure on the home side late on
in the first half, and despite not crossing the try line they
would gain a man advantage when Gareth
Libby was sin binned for persistent infringement. They
couldn’t capitalise on the man advantage however and
the two teams went into half time with the score 14
- 0.
|
|
The
Engineers looked to step things up in the second half,
however were frustrated by giving away penalties and turning
over possession. Luke Rokovardo
stood out, producing a good display of powerful running at
the Signals defence from the back of the scrum and ruck to
help set up the backs and spread the ball wide.
Despite long periods in their opponents 22’ the Sappers
could only come away with a Vic Reeve
penalty to add three more points to the score, 17
- 0.
The Sappers continued to pile the pressure on the visitors
keeping the ball in their half of the field and eventually
the pressure told, with Darrell Ball
capitalising on a mistake by a Signals’ defender
to dive over for the try following a neat grubber kick from
Bokka Viljeon to increase he
lead 22 - 0.
The Signals were not disheartened by the score, enjoying some
welcome possession in the Sapper half working the ball well
from sideline to sideline, however the Sapper defence stood
firm, turning the ball over at key moments to ensure that
the visitors did not cross the try line.
Following a string of changes by coach Andy
Sanger the Sappers added one final try five minutes
before the final whistle with Richie
Warmington leading an impressive drive from the lineout
to cross the line for a score, which was well converted by
Vic Reeve to close out the game
with the final score 29 - 0.
Although the result may have looked comfortable it was a far
from perfect game from the Sappers who suffered at times from
poor handling and giving away penalties, however they closed
out the Regular Season with another win, going undefeated
over all five games. The Engineers will be more than ready
for their final test, come March 19th as they look to cap
off their most successful season to date with another Merit
League title.
The Royal Engineers would once again like
to thank the Royal Signals for playing us at such short
notice. We look forward to playing you again next season!
Reported by J. Fowke. Man
of the Match – Luke Rokovardo
an outstanding performance at No 8.
|
|
Sapperrugby
–
1. Max Maxwell 2. Garry Windle 3. Rick Reeve 4. Ralph Cooke
5.Ben Hughes 6. Darrell Ball 7.Gareth Libby 8. Luke Rokovardo
9. Andy Gill 10. Eugene Viljoen 11. Sam Sema 12. Danny Cootes
13. Fraser Deeming 14. Vic Reeve 15. Rhydian Slade Jones 16.
Nathan Young 17.Mark Eastley 18. Joe U. 19. 20.Raz Erasmus.
21.Dee Draunidalo. 22.Chris Clifford 23.Rich Warmington 2
Manager Chris Fowke, Kit Chris Button, Physio Sam Emery &
Ant Marx.Coaching
Staff Andy Sanger, Tony Cheadle & Mike Thomas. |
|
|
|
|
Sapperrugby
v The Royal Logistic
Corps - Wednesday
16 January 2008 |
|
A
boggy Aldershot was the venue for a much anticipated fixture
between the two best teams in the Merit League, the Royal Engineers
and the Royal Logistic Corps.
The two have had some big clashes before, the most recent coming
when the Sappers edged out the RLC in last years Merit League
final, so although both had just about already qualified for
this years final neither side wanted to give an early advantage
to their opponent.
The Engineers were without a number first team regulars, missing
seven Army XV players although still fielding a strong team.
The RLC fielded a strong side including an England 7’s
player, a long with several Army squad members.
As expected it was to be a close game, with the RLC starting
the better, creating some good chances and putting early pressure
on the Sappers. Despite two tries in the first half by the RLC
the visitors were only four points behind thanks to two penalties
from Sapper Captain Vic Reeve.
The Engineers produced some good rugby in the second half to
take control of the game scoring three unanswered tries to take
the match 21-10, taking the psychological
advantage over their opponents going into the Final in March.
Following heavy rain the night before both sides had to cope
with a difficult pitch under foot. Despite the conditions the
game was free flowing in places with the backs on both sides
opening good running lanes to run through.
It was the Sappers who were put onto the back foot from the
opening kick off showing some good defence keeping the RLC attack
at bay, with Engineers’ skipper Vic
Reeve preventing an early try in the opening five minutes.
The home side was unable to capitalise on their good possession,
missing a penalty from in front of the posts, allowing the Sappers
to eventually take the lead with a penalty of their own from
Vic Reeve.
Mistakes were made on both sides with the ball early on with
several turnovers coming from knock-on’s as the teams
looked to get into full swing following the winter break.
The RLC responded quickly however, driving deep into the Sappers
territory off the back of a line out, eventually diving over
for the opening try of the game, which after the missed conversion
gave them a 5-3 lead.
The Sappers produced some good phases of play with fly half
Fraser Deeming breaking through
the RLC defence, along with Ben Seru who showed good pace along
the wing, only to be denied a try with a last gasp tackle in
the corner forcing him into touch.
It was then up to Vic Reeve to
add another penalty, coolly slotting the ball through the uprights
from 20 metres out, briefly taking the lead again; 5-6.
The RLC then set about adding another quick reply, with some
good attacking rugby, only let down in the final phases thanks
to several dropped passes. They were however able to cross the
line again following a nice chip over the defence, which with
a kind bounce allowed the RLC to re-take the lead, following
a missed conversion, 10-6.
The Engineers almost responded straight away with
Danny Cootes breaking through a tackle to hand the ball
to Ben Seru who again showed his
speed down the touchline only to be denied at the last second,
being pushed into touch.
The first half was to end 10-6
to the home side, who could have added more points to the scoreboard
if not for handling errors, and good defence by the Sappers
who were still in touch. |
|
The
Sappers came out in the second half looking
to add some tries of their own, with Danny
Cootes and Fraiser Deeming
making some good runs breaking through tackles to make their
way into their opponents 22’. They came close in the opening
minutes of the second half, only to be let down by a knock on,
turning possession over.
The game soon started to become more open with both sides producing
good scoring opportunities, only to be denied by strong defence.
It was the Sappers though who looked the more threatening side,
and eventually they broke through spreading the ball across
the width of the pitch allowing the Skipper Vic
Reeve to dive over for the score, taking back the lead
which they would not surrender, 10-11.
The Sappers’ confidence kept growing and it wasn’t
long before they ran over for another try, this time from Danny
Cootes who capped off an impressive day with a score
of his own, adding to the total; 10-16.
The final try of the game came following an excellent break
from the back of the scrum by replacement scrum half Dee
Draunidalo, who stormed downfield allowing Sam
Sema to go over for the final score of the game, capping
off an impressive victory by the Royal Engineers, over their
closest rivals.
Although both teams have just about qualified for the final,
they both looked for that slight advantage to hold over the
other, with the Sappers producing a great display of power and
finesse to take the victory 10-21,
remaining undefeated this season, with just one more game against
the AGC on Wed 20 Feb at Charham,
before they meet the RLC? again in March at the Aldershot Stadium.
Man of the Match – Danny Cootes
–
Produced an excellent display at centre, breaking through
tackles on several occasions to allow the backs space to run
onto the ball and attack the defence, as well as producing
a score of his own in the corner and Luke
Rockovardo - A great display of power running from
the base of the scrum, put in some huge hits onDamu! Well
done both of you. Reported by Jonathan
Fowke
|
|
Sapperrugby
–
1. Max Maxwell 2. Garry Windle 3. Chris Clifford 4. Ralph
Cooke 5.Rob Taylor 6. Darrell Ball 7. Rich Warmington 8. Luke
Rockovardo 9. Matt pritchard 10. Frazer Deeming 11. Ben Seru
12. Danny Cootes 13. Bruno Green 14. Adi Stander 15. Vic Reeve.
16. Nathan Young 17.Mark Eastley 18. Joe U. 19. Sam Sema.
20.Raz Erasmus. 21.Dee Draunidalo. 22. Teko B. Manager Chris
Fowke, Kit Chris Button, Physio Sam Emery & Ant Marx.Coaching
Staff Rich Garrett - Director of Rugby, Andy Sanger, Tony
Cheadle & Mike Thomas. |
|
|
|
|
Sapperrugby
v The Royal Electrical
& Mechanical Engineers
- Wednesday 5 December 2007 |
|
Having
run out a development side for their previous fixture
the Royal Engineers were back in Merit League action to face
a REME side who gave the RLC a good contest in their last game.
The Engineers were still without a few first team regulars,
deciding to rest several Army first team players including Darrell
Ball, Joe Jope and Nacka
Navacamuto.
Following heavy rain in the morning the pitch proved difficult
for the players to get to grips with. Although the sun was out
for the kick off, it would soon be replaced with more heavy
rain making handling very difficult for both teams.
With the weather being a heavy factor on how the game was played
it would the team who made the most of their chances and made
the fewest mistakes that would come out on top. Knowing this,
the Sappers ensured that they took scoring opportunities whenever
they got the chance, showing good handling skills, especially
along the backs exploiting gaps in the REME defence, with the
likes on Frankie Green, Vic
Reeve and Ben Seru all breaking
through the line on several occasions to gain good territory,
to set up scores in what was to be a comfortable run out for
the Engineer team.
After receiving the kick off the Sappers looked to make an instant
impression on the game quickly moving into the opposition 22’
where after several good phases of rugby, Bokka
Viljoen put up a high kick into the wind for Vic
Reeve to make a difficult catch to score the opening
try, putting the Sappers up 5-0.
It wasn’t long before the Sappers where back in their
opponents half where, after winning a lineout, Rob
Taylor carried the ball and drove over for another score
in the corner, putting the visitors up quickly to a 10-0
lead.
The Engineers seemed to adapt to the conditions better than
their opponents moving the ball up field with simple but effective
phases, taking into account the conditions and not trying anything
to risky. The REME were barely allowed any breathing space by
the Sappers, who on several occasions turned the ball over in
the ruck preventing them from even getting out of their own
half.
The Sappers were soon to add another score, this time it was
Frankie Green with the score, with
the backs moving the ball well showing good hands allowing Green
to show his pace and break through the defence for the try,
which following the successful conversion made the score 17-0.
The REME knew they had to respond quickly if they were to have
any hope of getting back into the match and began putting some
good phases together, however were let down on several occasions
by handling errors.
The Sappers looked to capitalise on missed opportunities and
using a ruck as a good base to attack from Frankie
Green was once again able to cross the try line for the
score picking up a nice grubber kick along the ground adding
another 5 points to make the score 22-0.
By this point the rain clouds had started to gather over head
making the last ten minutes before half time difficult for both
teams.
Following the try the home team started to come alive putting
together some useful attacks, however were not quite able to
put the finishing touch on their moves with the Sappers showing
good defence to keep them at bay. With the wind and rain playing
a key factor building up to half time both teams turned to the
kicking game, opting to play for territory and hopefully capitalise
on any mistakes made by their opponents. Garry
Windle and Rob Taylor both
performed well at the lineout allowing the backs a good platform
to attack from quickly.
Rob Taylor was to play a key role
in the build up to the last try before half time, stealing the
ball at the lineout from where Ves Wessels
received good quick ball and broke through the defence for the
try, which after the successful conversion gave the Sappers
a half time lead of 29-0. |
|
The
sun greeted both teams for the start of the second half, however
both would struggle with grip as the pitch cut up in several
places. Shortly after the second half kick off the Engineers
were to suffer a blow with scrum half Wes
Tomson picking up a knee injury, being replaced by Noxy
Hoyt.
After putting together several good passages of play it wasn’t
long before the Engineers picked up from where they left off
with Bokka Viljeon making a superb
run to create space down the wing providing the pass for Vic
Reeve to run in another score in the corner, adding to
the score; 34-0.
Soon after the Engineers put together the best move of the day
working the ball well between forwards and backs, from inside
their own 22’ to break through the oppositions defence,
showing good quick hands and excellent support allowing Gareth
Libbey to cap off a brilliant move, extending the lead
further to 39-0.
The Engineers were firmly on top dominating key phases of the
game, providing a good combination of power and speed allowing
them to set up good field position for the backs to then run
at the defence. Following a few exchanges in play Bokka
Viljeon received a box kick from just inside the REME’s
half giving him space to run. After quickly switching play to
the other side of the field the Sappers once again found themselves
breaking through the line of defence for Danny
Cootes to run in another try under the posts, which after
the conversion gave the visitors an insurmountable lead of 46-0.
The REME continued to battle despite the score line kicking
well for territory and then attacking from the lineout, however
the Sapper defence stood strong not allowing them to cross for
a score.
The Sappers weren’t finished yet and looked to add more
points, and they soon came. Following a REME lineout 5 metres
from their own try line the Sapper forwards lead by Ginge
Windle produced a good display of counter rucking, with
Team Captain Ben Hughes managing
to steal the ball and drive over for a try, showing great strength
to add more points to the scoreboard;
51-0.
After repelling further REME attacks the Sappers piled on the
misery for their opponents as Ben Seru,
who had an impressive day running with the ball managed to get
on the score sheet with a good burst of speed to once again
beat the defence and run in another score at the final whistle
making the final result 56-0.
Despite testing conditions for both teams the Sappers produced
an excellent combination of power and finesse to put up their
highest points total in the Merit League this season. No doubt
they will face a tough challenge against the RLC in their next
fixture but with rested Army players such as Joe
Jope and ‘Nakka’
returning they will surely be confident of keeping their unbeaten
run going.
Man of the Match – Frankie
Green – A great return after injury, his marshalling
of the back line with Bokka was first class. Well done.Reported
by J.Fowke |
|
Sapperrugby
–
1. Max Maxwell 2. Garry Windle 3. Nathan Young 4. Ben Hughes
(Skipper) 5.Rob Taylor 6. Garreth Libbey 7. Rich Warmington
8. Luke Rockovardo 9. Wes Thompson 10. Bokka Viljeon 11. Vic
Reeve 12. Danny Cootes 13. Ves Wessels 14. Ben Seru 15. Bruno
Green. 16. Ian Black 17.Mark Eastley 18. Knoxy Hoyt. 19.Ralph
Cooke. 20.Raz Erasmus. 21.Frazer Deeming. 22. K Presad. Manager
Chris Fowke, Kit Chris Button, Physio Sam Emery.
Coaching
Staff Rich Garrett - Director of Rugby, Andy Sanger, Tony
Cheadle & Mike Thomas. |
|
|
|
|
The
Royal Engineers v The South African Defence Force
Sat 27th Oct 07
- Minley
|
|
Following
a convincing victory over the Royal Artillery just
over a week ago the Royal Engineers played host to the touring
South African National Defence Force. It was to be a gruelling
encounter with the South Africans looking to start off their
three match campaign with a victory over the Sappers.
It was a game filled with good running from the backs as well
as a display of power from the forwards. Sappers’ Libby
and Jope provided a good contrast
of finesse and power whilst running with the ball, and the Sappers
also had a good day at the lineout with Gary
Windell and Rob Taylor regularly
combining to help set up good positioning for the backs to work
with. Long term absentee Frankie Green
started again for the Sappers and showed good enthusiasm and
pace with the ball. It was to be a good day for the two South
African born Sappers, with Ves Wessells
and Boka Viljeon showing off their
attacking skills against their countrymen, helping to cap off
an impressive victory against a talented South African Combined
services side.
It was the Engineers who had the early possession and threatened
to score after lengthy phases in the oppositions 22. When the
South Africans did get the ball they were let down by handling
errors. It was the Springboks though who had the first opportunity
for points, but missed with a penalty kick, however after another
spell in Sapper territory they managed to get on the board with
a penalty, making the score 0-3
to the visitors.
The Sappers set about running the ball right into the heart
of the opposition with Joe Jope leading the way carrying for
good yardage. The backs were helped by good set pieces especially
at the lineout and found good running lanes, with Ben
Seru scoring the first try of the match, receiving the
pass from Boka Viljeon to score
near the posts. The try was converted by Boka giving the home
side the lead 7-3.
The Sappers looked to build on their success and soon ran in
another try, this time it was Gareth Libby
who took the ball over to score in the corner after the ball
was well worked to the far side of the pitch creating gaps in
the defence allowing the sappers to add another five points.
Following the missed conversion the Sappers lead 12-3.
The South Africans looked to respond and showed good pace in
the back line. The Engineers defence stood strong however and
even managed to add another penalty from the boot of Boka
Viljeon to increase their lead to 15-3.
Knowing they would have to add a score before half time to stay
in touch with the Sappers the South Africans gained good territory
with the boot setting up a good platform to test their oppositions
defence. After several phases the visitors did manage to cross
the try line for a deserved score, which after a missed conversion
closed the gap to 15-8, which is
how the first half finished. |
|
Following
the kick off to the second half both teams exchanged
territory and possession, with neither really establishing themselves
in the others 22 for sustained periods. Both teams seemed to
find the ground tricky to cope with, with the fine rain not
helping as the players found it hard to get good footing.
The South Africans started to put more pressure on the Sappers
and were enjoying some success at the scrums, wheeling them
round on several occasions to turnover possession of the ball.
Crucially however, the Sappers kept the visitors at bay, with
their hard work being rewarded when Naka
intercepted a pass from the South African scrum half to run
the ball in for a try under the posts, extending their lead
following the successful conversion to
22-8.
That score proved to be a key one with the Sappers managing
to repel the attack from the opposition; taking advantage of
any mistakes by the Springboks.
The Engineers now looked to keep the ball in the opposition
half with replacement scrum half Wes Thompson
delivering excellent box kicks to pin down the South
Africans deep in their 22’. The visitors however kept
fighting and they themselves produced a good display of kicking
which, helped by a number of penalties given away by the Sappers,
set them up for another score. The try was converted making
the score 22-15. The Engineers
were dealt another set back when Frankie
Green, who was injured during the passage of play, had
to go off with an injury to his ribs, to be replaced by Vic
Reeve.
The South Africans, trailing now by just seven points felt they
could get back into the match and looked for another score to
tie the game. They capitalised again on penalties given away
by the Engineers and used their forwards to power towards the
try line, and eventually dive over for another score. The conversion
was missed allowing the Engineers to hang onto the lead by two
points 22-20.
The Sappers rallied once more and produced some good phases
of rugby in their opponents 22’. The lineout was functioning
well and provided a good platform to drive from, helping the
backs to attack the game line at pace. The home side were looking
for one final score to close the game out and take a well deserved
victory. It eventually came from a South African turnover, as
Ves Wessels went over in the corner
following a good exchange of quick passes to capitalise on the
Springboks’ mistake, giving the Engineers an insurmountable
lead of 29-20 following a good
conversion from Boka Viljeon.
There were to be no more scores in the final few minutes, as
Wes Brown kicked for touch for the referee to blow his
whistle and seal an historic win for the Engineers against a
strong South African Defence Force.
The Engineers added another win to their already impressive
tally over the past 18 months, showing a great display of team
spirit and determination proving that they are the team to beat
this season.
Man of the Match – 'Joe'
Jope. After just missing out on the accolade
last time round, Jope delivered
another superb performance giving him the title this weekend.
Putting on another great display of power running with the
ball allowing the team to create a solid basis on which to
mount their attacks.
Reported
by J.Fowke |
|
| Sapperrugby
– 1. Ian Black 2. Garry Windle 3. Nathan Young 4. Ben
Hughes (Skipper) 5.Rob Taylor 6. Garreth Libbey 7. Matt Roberts
8. Joe Jope 9. Gilly Gill 10. Bokka Viljeon11. Frazer Deeming
12. Nakka Navacamuto 13. Ves Wessels 14. Ben Seru 15. Rhydian
Slade Jones. 16. Max Maxwell 17.Mark Eastley 18. Wes Thompson.
19.Rob Taylor. 20.Joe Ulukedekede. 21.Danny Cootes. 22. Rich
Warmington. Manager Chris Fowke, Kit Chris Button, Physio Sam
Emery & 'Ant' Marks.Coaching
Staff Rich Garrett - Director of Rugby, Andy Sanger, Tony Cheadle. |
|
|
|
|
Sapperrugby
v The Royal Artillery - Wednesday 17
October 2007 |
|
The
Royal Engineers opened up the first match of the new
Merit League Season against their oldest adversaries, the Royal
Artillery. The game was sure to have a bit of an edge to it
after the Artillery were convincingly beaten in their own back
yard last season and they would now look to gain revenge against
the Sappers in theirs.
Both teams boasted a flurry of talent with the Sappers containing
several Army first team players which included new boy Joe
Jope who made his first full debut for the Sappers, in
what was overall an impressive outing. The Engineer forwards
put on a good performance throughout the match, setting up useful
territory for the backs to run at the Artillery defence. Sapper
Captain Ben Hughes lead from the
front with some bruising drives, supported well by Jope who
found gaps in the Gunners line to allow the backs space to run.
Fly Half Bokka Viljeon had a good
game with the boot making decent yardage on his kicks to touch
as well as converting on his penalties at goal.
The Game started off slow, as both teams looked to find their
feet and get rid of any ‘rust’ that may have crept
in during the off season. The Sappers had some early territory
which was turned into three points when Bokka
converted a penalty. Both sides then exchanged the ball several
times giving away penalties along the way. The Sappers showed
glimpses of breaking through the Gunner defence with Jope
making some good ground; the number 8 often lined up at center
to create a mismatch against the opposition and took full advantage
of the space given to him. It was the Artillery who levelled
the score though with a penalty kick of their own and could
have taken the lead shortly after but missed on their next attempt.
The Sappers continued to drive into Gunner territory with Ben
Hughes and Joe Jope again
leading the way along with the rest of the forwards to set up
good a good position for the backs to attack. They made good
use of running lanes however were let down by mistakes and turned
the ball over on several occasions. The Sappers persevered though
and scored from a well worked line out driving the ball close
to the Gunners line to then spread the ball wide for Frasier
Deeming to run in the try in the corner which, after
the missed conversion made the score 8-3
to the Engineers.
The Artillery made their way into the Sapper 22’ and were
awarded an easy three points in front of the posts, however
the ball bounced straight back to the fly half Mark
Hunneybun and the Sappers pounced to win the ball after
intercepting a pass to counter attack. After several phases
of play the Sappers were back into Gunner territory and following
a good run from Naka, Ben
Seru off loaded to Ves Wessells,
just short of the try line for the centre to add another score.
Following a successful conversion the Sappers extended their
lead to 15-3.
As half time approached neither team was able to add to their
score, with the Artillery missing a penalty which was to be
the final action of the first half. |
|
The Engineers kicked off
the second half and enjoyed some early possession in
the Gunners 22’. The Sapper forwards carried their dominance
over from the first half and were able to drive further down
the field towards the try line. Their early dominance was rewarded
with a penalty but the Sappers opted not to go for three points
and instead searched for another try, however the ball was turned
over allowing the Artillery to counter attack. Gunner Captain,
Scrum Half, Glendenning finished
off a fine move to score in the corner making the score 15-10
to the Engineers following a successful conversion.
The Sappers looked to make amends for the missed opportunity
and drove straight back into opposition territory. Sapper scrum
half Andy Gill provided excellent
distribution to the backs allowing them to quickly move the
ball across field to look for gaps in the defence. The Artillery
were again able to turn the ball over and counter attack, but
the Engineer defence recovered to ensure they did not score
again.
The Sappers again set up shop inside the Gunner 22’ and
were given another penalty, but again opted to go for seven
points instead of three. They were once again kept out by the
opposition defence and the Artillery looked to clear the ball,
however following a poor pass off the back of a ruck Ves
Wessells’ was able to add another score, pouncing
quickly on the loose ball to score his second of the day. Bokka
Viljeon added a simple conversion and the Sappers extended
their lead 22-10.
Bokka
soon added another penalty from 10 metres inside the Gunner
half to extend the lead further to 25-10.
Both sides brought on fresh legs for the final few minutes of
the game, with the ball exchanging possession around half way
for several minutes. The Sappers showed some good defence against
an Artillery side looking to add a consolation score before
the final whistle with Sapper replacement Thompson
putting a big hit on a member of the Artillery as they looked
to score.
After repelling the Gunner attack the Sappers added a further
penalty, capping an impressive performance with the boot for
Bokka Viljeon.
The only further action to take place was another Sin Bin for
a member of the Artillery for handling in the ruck. Neither
team was to add anymore points, leaving the Royal Engineers
to wrap up their second consecutive win over the Artillery to
retain the Jones/Drake Trophy.
Despite never being pushed to the limit, the Sappers managed
a comfortable win against their rivals, staying on top through
the majority of the match. No doubt they will face a much tougher
test against the South African Defence Force at Minley on
Saturday 27th October.
Man of the Match –
Bokka Viljeon. Narrowly edging out debutant Joe
Jope, who also had a great game, pounding the Artillery
defence all afternoon. ‘Bokka’
had a superb game with the boot, kicked the Engineers into
good field position throughout the match, including to help
set up the opening try, and only missed once when kicking
for goal. |
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Sapperrugby
–
1. Max Maxwell 2. Garry Windle 3. Nathan Young 4. Ben Hughes
(Skipper) 5.Rob Taylor 6. Garreth Libbey 7. Darrell Ball 8.
Joe Jope 9. Gilly Gill 10. Bokka Viljeon11. Frazer Deeming
12. Nakka Navacamuto 13. Ves Wessels 14. Ben Seru 15. Rhydian
Slade Jones. 16. Ian Black 17.Mark Eastley 18. Wes Thompson.
19.Rob Taylor. 20.Joe Ulukedekede. 21.Danny Cootes. 22. K
Presad. Manager Chris Fowke, Kit Chris Button, Physio Sam
Emery & 'Ant'.Coaching
Staff Rich Garrett - Director of Rugby, Andy Sanger, Tony
Cheadle & Pete Rowlands. |
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