Leopards Maul Reds
No way through: Cpl Andy Parkinson (R Signals) finds his path to the try line blocked by a well-organised Leopards pack at Aldershot
Report and picture: Roger Thompson
Army skipper Sgt Mal Roberts (RLC) ran in a solo try to herald the start of the Army Rugby Union centenary, but could not save his side from the claws of Africa’s Leopards at Aldershot.
The tourists – drawn from the internationals of Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Tunisia and Morocco and making their first visit to the UK – made it known they were intent on leaving their mark from the first whistle of this fast-paced exhibition match.
Nine of the Army team had played a gruelling cup match the day before and, clearly somewhat leg weary, found themselves trailing 10-0 before Roberts thundered on to the scene early in the second half.
Faced with 25m of heavy traffic, a shrug, dipped shoulder and smart change of direction took the captain over in the corner – an action that gave the hosts some hope.
Bearing the brunt was lock Cpl Ben Hughes (RE), who worked like a Trojan to direct the efforts of a rearranged pack, and prop Cpl Melvin Lewis (WG), who took a turn both on the tight and loose head.
Behind them, debutant scrum half LCpl Alipate Vakasawaqu (AGC) buzzed and bossed the pack and, outside, Cpl Andy Parkinson (R Signals) showed pace and was only held in check by some thunderous tackling.
Wholesale changes in the Army team in the second half might have saved the tired limbs but could not prevent the Leopards scoring two further tries.
Lt Mark Honeybun (RA), an accomplished Sevens player introduced at fly half, had a very sound match pushing the attack and kicking for position. The freer spirit and sheer grit enabled the Army to respond with a fourth quarter period of intense pressure on the Leopards line but they failed, just, to cross the whitewash for a second time.
A very tolerant referee eventually awarded the Reds a penalty try to close the scores at 20-10.
Speaking after the match, Army coach WO2 Andy Sanger (RE) singled out two newcomers for special praise. “Considering the high pressure games on the previous day and the fact that six players pulled on the red jersey for the first time, the team showed tremendous commitment,” he told SoldierSport. “Mal Roberts scored a wonder-try but no one performed better than open side LCpl Maccu Koroiyadu (RLC) and Rugby League convert LCpl Ben Seru (RE), who showed real pace and flair.
Reproduced by kind permission of Soldier Magazine
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