Page 78 - Wish Stream Year of 2017

RMAS Women’s Rugby vs AGC/ Army – 9 August 2017
Major Fran Bullock RE
On 9th August, RMAS women lined up for battle against an AGC team that was actu- ally a combination of 2 International play-
ers, 7 Inter-Services or Army players, and the rest with experience at Corps level. The RMAS Women team’s effort was outstanding; most of them had never played before and had only learnt the rules and how to ruck and tackle in the last 3 months. They received coaching from WO2 (RQMS) Steve Bowman, who has done a sterling job, and given many evenings and weekends to teaching and training these ladies. Thanks also go to Sgt Slade-Jones, WO2 (CSM) Hutchens, Capt Miller and OCdt Jellis (Burma Coy) for their additional training sessions.
The final score was 25:17 against the RMAS Women. However, had a further 20 minutes been played I am certain that the win would have been theirs, as the AGC ladies were not as fit as our RMAS PT and exercise-trained females! Tries were scored by OCdt Bagley, OCdt Dixon and OCdt Parker (the captain of the team). Four ladies were picked for the Army Development team, and will receive calling notices to training sessions and games in the next few months. These were OCdt Parker (who has played for
Scotland), OCdt Broome (who has played for Ulster), and also OCdts Guyler and Dixon who have never played rugby before. Their natural ability, determination and application saw them through. I will also put forward OCdt Carbutt’s name, as she worked her socks off for the team. A special mention also to OCdt Dixon who ended up in hospital due to approaching every tackle and ruck head first. She is now out of the MRS and is in good spirits.
The rugby stand was nearly full and it would have been even fuller if the weather had not put a bit of a dampener on the spectators; thank you for everyone that turned up – thanks especially to The Commandant. The weather was perfect wet rugby weather and the two sides embraced the conditions in good humour.
Thanks to The Sandhurst Trust for money towards the shirts and, thanks to the referees (Lt Col Iain Hallam) and touch judges (Maj Marcus Monier-Williams and Capt Jonny Atterton). I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone, but what an excel- lent game, made all the better by those that sup- ported the team.
Maj Fran Bullock and the RMAS Women’s Rugby Team
76 SANDHURST