By
CMDR Mark Todd
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LEUT
Mike Letts comes to grip with an Army opponent in the final
match. Army defeated Navy 46-8.
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Photo:
Bill Cunneen.
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Preparations
are already under way to make amends next year as Navy went down
to Army in a courageous final effort at the Australian Services
Rugby Championships (ASRC) in Sydney last month.
RANRU knew they had to perform well on Wednesday May 12 for their
first game against an improved RAAF team.
It was RANRU’s first hit-out for the year and was seen as an important
match to develop teamwork and work on some basic plays.
RANRU’s domination of set plays was evident with POPT Paul Williams
securing the lineout ball, and the centurions of the front row
(CPOCIS Andrew Bertoncin, LEUT Darryn Thomson and POATA Matt Hyam)
ensuring a solid scrum.
The result was a satisfying and comprehensive victory, 31-13.
As a curtain raiser to the final match of the carnival, a women’s
match was played between Army and Navy. Navy were defending the
title but were beaten by a much stronger Army team this year,
36-0.
The team was led well by SBLT Di Thomas with MIDN Amanda Eddy
and AB Tennielle Sullivan. The final match of the carnival between
Army and Navy was played at Coogee Oval on Sunday May 16.
Army, entering the match as favourites, got away to a strong start
and it was difficult for Navy to match the blistering pace they
set.
The RANRU team played well, but were outclassed by a better team
on the day. While the final score was 46-8 in Army’s favour, it
did not reflect the pride and courage shown by the Navy players
for the full eighty minutes.
In particular LS Brad Simmons, PO Shaune Guppy and AB Sean Diegan
played strongly, with AB Diegan awarded the “Sooty Hansen Memorial
Trophy” as the Navy’s best and fairest for the carnival.
All those who represented the Navy during the carnival can be
proud of their efforts.
The challenge is to win both trophies next year to regain Navy’s
dominance of rugby in the Services.
Preparations have already started.
