Main Content
Advertisment
1st XIII team
Coaches comments:
RAF 10 Army 14. To close for comfort! Either team could have won the game with commitment rather than skill making it quite a spectacle for all concerned. The cost of the win was unfortunately high with serious injuries to front row forward Donnelly (fractured leg), and one of the candidates for man of the match Spr Wessells (fractured jaw). The RAF also had their problems with their hooker breaking his jaw plus two other serious leg injuries.
Despite all this the lads dug deep and had the RAF near breaking point, only to squander possession and field position with penalties and handling errors. Some of these were understandable with the atrocious weather conditions and the committed defence against us.
Deciding to go with a light-weight pack was a decision that nearly went against us, especially in the first 20 minutes as the bigger RAF pack exerted pressure on our line. I was proud of the way the lads defended, especially our 6 new caps Francis, Tomani, Hillman, Vave, Donnelly, Modgy. All six played well, and I'm sure they will agree what a step up Inter Service rugby is.
Navy game:
The Navy will be a tough game and home advantage will play a big part with the biggest crowd ever expected for an Inter Service rugby league match. The Navy will have a few new caps with influential players Scotty Partis and Lockton not available. The Army will not take anything for granted after being in this position last year and loosing to the RAF by one point. The RAF play the Navy in two weeks time and let's hope it's only deciding who gets the wooden spoon!
Soldiers League will provide the VIP tent this year and anyone who is a member will be welcome to join us for pre match refreshments on us.
Yours in rugby,
Sean Fanning
