ROYAL AIR FORCE DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS MATCH REPORTS
The first game of the inaugural RAFRU Divisional Tournament Sponsored by BAE Sys Rochester was between the Eastern Eagles and the Western Wolves. It was quickly evident that this was going to be a battle between the forward power of the Eagles and the more expansive game of the Wolves. The Eagles scrummage in particular had a huge impact on the quality of set-piece ball the Wolves were able to use, and as a consequence they were initially unable to use their quicker back line. The Eagles advantage was negated when the match went to uncontested scrums due to a number of injuries to the Wolves front row players. The Wolves fly half SAC Paulo Allen (Lyneham) and winger, SAC Craig Potter (Cosford) both scored two tries and some of the inter-play amongst the Wolves backs was of a high standard. The tenor of the game then changed completely and the Wolves forwards and back row in particular were able to concentrate on supporting wide and they ran in some 6 tries in total. The Eagles stuck manfully at their task, and their players worked incredibly hard in defence and the final score line does not reflect the Eagles forwards' early dominance, or their collective defensive effort. That said, when the game opened up the Wolves took their tries well and showed some deft touches in midfield. Overall, this was a very promising start to the Championship with the Wolves winning by 37 points to nil and the game set the tone for the 3 matches to follow.
The second game of the competition between Northern Stag and Southern Sharks was a closely fought match, from the first whistle these two contenders for the trophy locked horns in a gladiatorial display of attacking & defensive rugby. The standard of play had already been set in a fine performance earlier in the day and it was clearly evident from these curtain raisers that standard of play was far exceeding the expectations of all those involved, strong running by Stags backs was repelled by equally impressive well-drilled defence from the Sharks centres and back row with Crags (Brize Norton) and the No 8 Adam Rezazadeh (High Wycombe) standing out. The solid scrum of the Sharks was causing the Stags numerous problems but all credit must go to the somewhat inexperienced Stags props that battled on throughout the tournament, Chris Gale (Aldergrove) who propped for the Stags played his last club match at scrumhalf! This was a closely contested match with the final outcome Sharks 18 Stag 5 points. Credit must go to all those who participated in this match which was certainly a joy to watch from a coaching & spectators view.
Day Two of the Competition saw thirty battered & bruised bodies take to the pitch in what was to be their final match in the inaugural Divisional Tournament. The Stags had the dream start to this contest as Chris Clarke (Lossiemouth) scored twice in the first three minutes both converted by the boot of Stuart Dawson (Lossiemouth). The Stags dominated the first half with quality lineout ball from providing the platform from which Dawson, at fly half, had the opportunity to launch his attacks. A serious neck injury to one of the Eagles forwards caused the first half to be cut slightly short as medical attention arrived on the scene in the form of an Air Ambulance. This injury seemed to be the catalyst to kick-start the Eagles into life & they emerged for the second half a transformed team, even Andy Yeates, stalwart of RAF & Vultures rugby, took to the field to add some granite to the Eagles pack. The Eagles pack, who had been strong in the scrum all tournament started applying pressure to the Stags front row which after two days of rugby were starting to feel the constant pressure. The Stags eventually had to resort to uncontested scrums towards the end of the second half as both front row replacements were no longer able to compete safely in the scrum, a job well done by the Eagles tight five. Penalties from both teams in the second half was the only scores a great first half from the Stags complemented by an equally good performance in the second half by the Eagles gave a final score of Stags 24- Eagles 6.
The final match of the competition started with the Sharks weathering everything that the Wolves could throw against them and taking control. Although both sides scored 2 tries each, by the end of the half the Sharks were fully in control and commanding the game in all areas. The Sharks turned round 24-12 ahead and felt that game was won and so took their foot of the gas, this allowed the Wolves to score two quick tries right at the start of the half. With the Wolves now in ascendancy, the Sharks well drilled and staunch defence was able to hold out while they settled and again began to make ground through effective forward play driving through the heart of the Wolves defence. However The Sharks infringed far too often, giving away needless penalties, which cost them, ground and ultimately the game as whilst pressing hard for extra points late scores were conceded. The Wolves finished strongly and scored 31 unanswered points in the second half. The Western Wolves were worth winners by 43 points to 24 of this the inaugural RAFRU Divisional Tournament and received the Trophy from the Mr Jonathan Walton the MD Market Development of BAE Systems Rochester.
The high standard of play and magnificent level of commitment from all participants in the Tournament showed that rugby at the grass-roots level across the RAF has much to offer. Three players have been selected to play for the U23 XV in their upcoming Inter-Service game, with another five being the opportunity to play in one of the Academy XV games prior to Christmas. This, the first of what can only be hoped are many Divisional Tournaments, has been deemed to be a huge success.
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