CFN Matt Fraser, 2CER crunches his way through a Marist 1 tackler who had his head on the wrong side.Photo by Pte Tim Asher, HQ 7 Bde

Army try on the Red Rock

By Pte Tim Asher
FAST and furious described the pace of the Fiji national rugby sevens team, who conquered all before them, including the best Enoggera's 7 Bde could muster, at the annual Fiji sevens tournament in Brisbane recently.

Soldiers from six Brisbane units were invited for the first time to compete in the predominantly South Pacific island rugby sevens competition.

Originally designed as a recruiting/public relations exercise, the Army's participation this year led to a team of soldiers, combining ASRU, club grade and Army team experience, entered in the colourful and musical tournament.

Members of the Fiji Army Band played for the crowd on the day, which begins a week-long celebration of Fiji National Day.

The Army team began the day well, defeating last years' runner up, Marist One, 29-10.

The second match was a loss to Souths Baa Baas, who currently lead the Brisbane club rugby premier competition, 26-5.

A berth in the quarter-final drew the Fiji national team, Red Rock who flew to Australia for this competition. The razzle dazzle of the Fijians was akin to the Harlem Globetrotters, but the Army boys managed to keep them to 26-5.

Army were the only team to put a try on Red Rock, the eventual tournament winners.

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