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1st XIII team
Inter Services 2009 - Comments from the Performance Director
Again we find are selves in the same situation as last year, having just beaten the RAF in Aldershot in a close game which any one could have won. The score reflects the game with the Army just out on top 16 14.
The RAF came out blazing, piling pressure on the Army line and were unlucky scoring in the corner, only for it to be disallowed due to a forward pass. The lead changed hands throughout and it was full on commitment from both sides, which is pretty much standard in inter service rugby league these days, with nothing to separate the teams, making the competition nerve jangling for the coaches and exciting for the supporters.
The Army's new caps performed well with Cerry Cummins and Andy Kay the outstanding performers, Cummins was deservedly voted the man of the match showing a safe pair of hands at the back, although the award could just as easily have gone to Gareth Lodge or Tim Tomani who both performed heroically
Modgy Matau showed what a his class with a superb try scored off an attacking kick under the sticks, giving the Army the lead, he also stole the ball near the end of the game in a one on one tackle which must have settled the coaches nerves in a game that went all the way to the final hooter.
The RAF welcomed back Chris Gordon this year and he along with Jinks and Woody in good form made it extremely hard for the Army to subdue the RAF team. Both teams blooded several new caps, due too stalwarts in retiring. Pud Cowburn and Lee Innes opting to play in the Vets and Spider doing the same in the RAF.These players have been the backbone of Armed forces rugby league over the last 10 years.
The next game in the championship will see the RAF hosting the Navy at RAF Cranwell, a change of venue caused due to the impending sale of RAF Uxbridge. This will be hard fixture for the Navy who have found it difficult to beat the RAF away from Portsmouth.
The Army look forward to thier next fixture at Burnaby road Portsmouth against the Navy and should be boosted by the return of Donnerly back from injury and Goddard back from Honeymoon. after recently marrying in Las Vegas, For those of the team who made the journey it was an awesome time.
The selection this year has been difficult for head coach Nav, with more players available than ever before. The academy and womens teams both had great wins over the RAF. The academy winning 100-0 and i congratulate all the players and coaching staff of all four teams, including the vets who also were victorious on their hard work and commitment. Let's see If we can carry this succes to the second and final games of this years competition. Good luck to you all
Yours in Rugby
Sean Fanning
