ARMY A VERSUS WIDNES ST MARIES RUGBY LEAGUE MATCH REPORT

1. LCpl Curgenven RE
2. Spr Douglas RE
3. Spr Singh RE Vice
4. Cpl Harris Sigs Capt
5. LCpl Watkins REME
6. LCpl Tuliva Infantry
7. Spr Best RE
8. LCpl Kidoroma RE
9. LCpl Biutanaseva Sigs
10. Spr Nacolawa RE
11. LCpl Jackson Infantry
12. Fus Edwards Infantry
13. LBdr Jones RA

14. Spr Clegg RE
15. LCpl Smith Infantry
16. Sig Damudamu Sigs
17. LCpl Sale Infantry
18. Sig Foster Sigs

Army Development Report

Widnes St Maries 16 – 22 Army Development

A very new looking Army Development Squad prepared for the fixture against Widnes St Maries at Dale Bks in Chester for 2 days prior to the fixture with 8 new faces to the squad. The development team turned in an outstanding performance against a quality Maries side with the Army Development’s fitness telling in the end, turning over St Maries 22 – 16 at the final whistle.

The Development team went down to an early try from St Maries after they capitalised on some slack defence, but rallied by Development coach Tomo Thompson and Manager Dan Myers they managed to match St Maries up front with the ball being thrown around like a training match. The Development’s expansive rugby game began to tell as St Maries couldn’t cope with the backs running game allowing Dougie Douglas and Kyle Harris to cross the white wash as well as some great forward running from Suli Nacolawa whom managed to break free of several tackles before crossing the line.

The telling try was from Indy Singh who had intercepted a long pass as the Maries were trying to press for a try themselves and managed to run 60 metres for the decisive score with Tom Best converting 3 from 4 kicks. The Army defence stood firm as St Maries had 3 continuous sets of 6 on the bounce, however on their final set they knocked on with the Army defence stretched allowing the Army to advance out of their 20m line with the referee blowing for full time. The Maries management were surprised by the Army’s expansive play and defensive drills, with the aggression in attack and defence; however they did praise LCpl Tuliva for his man of the match display in his first outing in Army Development colours.

Game Plan

Zone game plan split into 20 40 60
Open rugby for first 10 mins to get a feel for the opposition
Support play don’t stand and watch the player
Up and retire as a line - keep looking at the opposition
2 markers at the play of the ball (talk & touch)
Sliding defence – constant communication
Defence stay on your side of the pitch to conserve energy
Anticipate the kicks wingers drop back 4/5 tackle

Won 16 – 22

Tries Spr Douglas 1, Spr Singh 1, Cpl Harris 1, Spr Nacolawa 1,
Conversions Spr Best 3

What went wrong?

Too fast from the tackle, allowing the opposition to play the ball.
Markers not standing square.
Not using the backs as often as we should, too many times with the forwards up the centre.
No push in the defensive line.

What the opposition had to say

A very good and surprisingly strong team.

After a close first half display between the two sides the lad’s technical ability and fitness shone through. It was a very impressive performance by some new faces and the team bonded well together in their first match playing as a team. More work needed in defence as the opposition was too fast at playing the ball. The discipline amongst the team was exceptional due to the typical standard of civilian North West rugby.

Army Rugby League

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