Page 74 - RSDG Year of 2021 CREST

72 EAGLE AND CARBINE RUGBY
Captain TA Walpole
The SCOTS DG rugby season kicked off with aplomb when a side filled with Fijian talent, and Capt Maclachlan, took part in the Dundee 7s. Sgt Matacagi and Cpl Sokia both impressed, whilst Sgt Taganekurukuru chewed up the Dundonian turf amid gleeful cries from the sidelines of “Challenger 2, Challenger 2!”. Left stick, right stick, and the diesel- guzzling Sgt made a thunderously high contact against his victim. The result was all too familiar; a rival player holding his head, a referee holding a red card, and Capt Maclachlan still holding the water bottles.
Undeterred, the Regiment once again ventured across the Tay to play Carnoustie RFC as part of their pre- season programme. A good week’s training had been expertly led by Cpls Sokia and Ratuqalovi, the latter coaching enthusiastically whilst keeping his ankle firmly wrapped in cotton wool. Come kick-off, the game was friendly in name rather in nature. The SCOTS DG pack were ready and willing enforcers through- out, led by C Sqn’s own second-row engine room, Capt Peppiatt and Tpr Ferguson. LCpl Komaiyasa and Cpl Wasasala formed an equally robust centre partnership, ably feeding the quartet of wingers: LCpls Sinclair, Giles, Ferrans and Tpr Stewart. Debutant Mr Cooper provided a calm presence at fullback and was most apologetic for his illegal tackling in the air. Tpr Naiqua had a noteworthy debut, pulling the strings at flyhalf and at hand for the decisive try at the death. The last play of the game won it for SCOTS DG 17-10. Thank you to Carnoustie RFC for a great game and for host- ing us post-match.
Buoyed by victory, the Regiment entered the Fife XVs tournament in Cupar. The team was reinforced by players from 2Bn REME and the joint side put on a commendable show in the League Two competition. Victory over Howe of Fife 2s (19-14) was followed by a dismantling of Haid Academy (32-5), with LCpl Giles channelling his inner Jonah Lomu to destruc- tive effect. Ardent supporters of the rugby team will be aware of the long-standing belief in the ‘Blackhall curse’, yet with Capt Blackhall contributing to both victories the superstition seemed to be waning. Then normal service was resumed with a surprise loss to Madras RFC. Narrowly defeated 14-12, no individual player, not even Capt Blackhall, could be blamed. If pushed, however, one would cite Cpl Wasasala’s fum- ble over the try line as the crucial match-turning
moment. Suitable team compensation, which usually comes in the form of a KFC bucket, is still outstand- ing. Finishing as runners up, special mention must go to Sgt Matacagi for his inevitable inclusion into the League Two Merit team.
Deployment on Ex KHANJAR OMAN led to a pause in regimental matches, however, individuals still stood out in representative rugby. The Royal Armoured Corps side, strengthened by Cpl Waqairatu and Sgt Taganekurukuru’s postings down South, started the season well with victory over AMS. LCpl Poole then joined the RAC side for their second match, a nar- row 28-29 defeat to the Royal Signals. The year ended with a praiseworthy victory against the Infantry. Sgt Taganekurukuru and Tpr Naiqua both played, this time aided by two Phase Two Troopers who will join the Regiment in 2022: Draunidalo and Tuimasala. There will be several elder statesmen within the SCOTS DG rugby team that will be keen to see the arrival of such gifted young soldiers at Leuchars in due course.
Looking ahead, 2022 will include the continuation of the RAC season, as well as the beginning of the Army in Scotland season. Both teams will hopefully contain several grey berets. Beyond that, the XVs and 7s sides will look to continue their contests across Fife, Cpl Wasasala will practice basic ball handling, and Capt Maclachlan will continue to hold the water bottles.