Page 67 - The Cormorant Issue 14

Maj Graham Taylor makes a break
The ACSC team had a few matches in preparation for the Ler- will Cup, this included a challenging run out against the Defence Academy Old Boys. The Lerwill Cup is the annual fixture against the French Staff College. This year was the 13th official fixture of the Lerwill Cup and much preparation had been put in by the committee to make it a befitting day for this prestigious fixture. The Defence Academy squad was built around the ACSC players, but key positions were filled by some Intermediate Staff Course players and wider Defence Academy squad members. On the day, the Director General, Lt Gen Graham, kindly Piped both teams onto the pitch before the National Anthems and the game start. The Commandant acted as referee for the game, and was required to have many an advisory word on tackles, hands-in- rucks and over-eager trailing arms. Playing the French presented a new challenge, in that we had to get our minds around uncon- tested scrums. This was an anathema to us all given that we prided ourselves on the strength of our scrum and none of us had played unopposed scrums since we were 8 years old!
The Defence Academy went in hard during initially, ruffling feath- ers in the French camp. The Defence Academy line-outs were strong and the team seemed to have a better back row, but con- sistently struggled to capitalise on winning the ball. Conversely, the French had a very experienced fly half and a set of backs displaying pace and vision. Consequently, the French achieved a try in the first half. After the half time motivation session, the
Lt Col Sandy Fitzpatrick in possession
French continued their onslaught turning the back line inside out a couple of times to put in two quick scores during the third quarter. Disheartened and exhausted the Defence Academy had to dig deep to salvage the match. With some fresh legs on and renewed vigour the Defence Academy managed to turn the tide of the game and with two tries clawed back the score to within one point of the French. A valiant final push and a nail biting finish of frantic activity in the French 22 unfortunately did not deliver a Defence Academy victory before the Commandant blew his whistle to signal the end of the game. Both teams had played extremely well and it was a befitting end to a fantastic season, with good people, good players and now good friends.
It has been a fantastic season full of highs, lows, good banter and equally appalling banter, not to mention some lively Rugby social events. Thank you to those who were committed Gladia- tors on the park and a big thank you to Jerry Law our coach who gave of his own free time to keep us on the straight and narrow. He was ably supported by Maj Gavin Saunders and much of the praise must go to our medical staff Duncan Blair and Caroline Zeleya, they kept us rubbed, tapped and together so we could get some pitch time.
Many thanks to you all for a fantastic season, all the best for the future and, if you are thinking of continuing to play – enjoy!!
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