Page 36 - Bugle Autumn 2023

5 RIFLES
RUGBY – ARU TANKARD CUP WINNERS
The first half of the rugby season in 2022 had been put on hold due to Operational commitments, however, in 2023 everyone was ready to make up for lost time, and the team entered the ARU Tankard Knock-Out Cup.
A fixture against 8 Bn REME set the stage for the first round. 5 RIFLES XV came out
the blocks quickly, giving Fortress Ward a fine display of running rugby coupled with
a dominant set piece – the newly acquired scrum machine bearing fruit. The result being 50 points racked up and progression to the next round. The next assignment was The Griffins (Army HQ), however, after several postponements from the hosts, 5 RIFLES progressed with a bye.
The semi-final now beckoned with a night under lights to contest against the Defence Academy (DA). It was hard-fought from the out, but with increasing scrum dominance,
5 RIFLES got their running game going and broke the shackles to score two terrific long range tries through Rfn Salusalu and 2Lt Thompson. DA came out firing after the break, though 5 RIFLES managed to keep their defence resolute and maintain the attacking intent to finish 12-27 winners.
The final in Aldershot was a tantalising match-up against 3 PARA. It was an unsurprisingly physical encounter, but 5 RIFLES started strongly with Rfn Tamalevu and Capt Bayless crashing over for opening scores. However, 3 PARA wrestled back momentum
in the second half and hit the lead at 15-12. As the game drew deep, it looked as though 3 PARA may close it out, but 5 RIFLES managed
36 RIFLES The Bugle
The Victors
a final skirmish into the 22, a hard line off fly-half Rfn Needham from LCpl Hossack saw him go under the posts and 5 RIFLES crowned champions.
A fantastic finish to a great season, with team captain Rfn Needham lifting the Cup. Capt Bayless, HQ Coy
The final in Aldershot was
a tantalising match-up against 3 PARA. It was an unsurprisingly physical encounter
A spectacular solo try