3RAR Fullback Pte Kiely on a try-scoring attack. Photos by Bill Cunnen, Army newspaper Full steam ahead, Navy might about to engage grunt power at the Macquarie University Sports Complex. 3RAR, with ball, can't run, can't hide from encircling HMAS Parramatta players. A strong and stubborn Army blockade against HMAS Parramatta players

3RAR assault on RAN
Mons Cup almost airborne

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson
3RAR made a daring attack on the Navy's treasured Mons Cup during the recent rugby union clash for the trophy.

But 3RAR's "A Team" had to be content to make it to the semi-finals, with the Navy's Canberra Crusaders team taking home the cup.

The Mons Rugby Trophy has been one of Navy's most treasured and prestigious sporting trophies since its inception in 1969.

This year 15 teams contested for the cup, with two teams from 3RAR and another from SME.

The A Team initially had some startling victories, trouncing HMAS Anzac 31-0, while HMAS Manoora suffered a similar fate, losing 27-0.

Navy lifted their game in the quarterfinals, but the team from HMAS Parramatta still lost 7-0.

Unfortunately, the A Team met their match in the semi-finals when the Crusaders edged home to win 12-5.

Team Manager and coach Sgt Darren McLeod said the team performed well despite a three-year gap in rugby tournaments, with the A Team's defence a key element in their success.

"Our defence is what held us up," he said.

"What we need is more practice and time together as a team"

There are plans for another attempt at the cup. Sgt McLeod said the battalion was back in Army Rugby and would be back next year.

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