Page 176 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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This year we have welcomed the return of Army Sports and, more importantly, Rugby. In June 21 the Apostles jumped back into it with a few Rugby League tournaments, joined with the AMS under the Spartans RLFC banner. It was nice to see some new faces taking to the field and even more welcoming with the talent that they brought. From the very first game Sgt (SI) Osman Muskwe was drafted into the Army RL Team playing in a few games across the season alongside SSgt (SSI) Jordan Kerman.
For the upcoming Union season, the ARU had altered the structure of the Corps Leagues to create more competitive games across the Corps. This saw the Apostles entered into League 3 alongside the Adjutant Generals Corps (AGC), Army Air Corps (AAC) and Intelligence Corps (Int).
The season kicked off in September with the Corps 15’s Festival in Aldershot. This was the first run out for the Corps Team since lockdown began. The Apostles were up against the other 3 teams from our league and a chance to have a look at our opposition for the season. The first 2 games were close and could have gone either way, but unfortunately saw the Apostles lose against the Int Corps 15-5 and 10-5 against the AGC. The final game was against the AAC and by this point the Apostles we now firing on all cylinders and beat the AAC 19-10.
The first league game was against the AAC at Middle Wallop, only 2 weeks after the Corps Festival and the team were hoping to build from where we left off. Starting the game strong the Apostles were quick out of the gate, scoring the first try. The team stayed ahead for the whole match and comfortably beat the AAC 34-13.
On the field this season the Apostles have shown great character, encapsulating the RAPTC ethos, however it didn’t stop there this year. Off the field and around the world Apostles have been involved in numerous projects, been given numerous awards and have had huge involvements in higher level rugby.
Following on from last year’s outstanding MBS article by SSgt (SSI) C Mayhew, the team have continued their commitment to the Apostles to Graves project and the history of the Apostles. Prior to the next game of the season, The Apostles donned their blazers and made a visit to Aldershot Military cemetery to pay a moment of respect, it’s the least we can do to remember the fallen.
Fast forward to the afternoon and the Apostles faced the AGC who were favourites to win the league. First blood went to the AGC but the Corps soon hit back with 2 converted tries and led 14-3 at half time. The second half saw 2 more tries for the Apostles taking the score to 28-10 but the AGC were starting to get momentum in the game. The last 20 minutes was tough for the Corps, mostly defending in our own “22”, however the team did not give up and
Capt G Slade-Jones and WO1 D Slade-Jones with Inter Service Trophies
held on for a 28-24 victory. Probably one of the most intense games of rugby for the Apostles in recent years.
The next fixture in November was in Marlborough against the Int Corps. Due to injuries and work commitments the team travelled with fewer numbers than in previous games and after a hard- fought battle we lost 27-23.
Capt (MAA) G Slade-Jones and WO1 (SMI) D Slade-Jones both had a successful Inter Services whilst coaching the Army Under 23s Team, with wins against both the Navy and RAF. This was also supported by SSgt (SSI) J Atherton leading with the Strength & Conditioning.
Just before Christmas the Apostles took the field again with the return fixture against the AAC. As with all Corps Rugby, never expect to play the same team twice and the team learnt that with this fixture. With the Apostles winning the previous 2 games against the AAC, this match started similar to the last and the Apostles were up 22-12 at half time. The second half was a different story and the AAC came out fighting, bringing the scores level on 2 occasions. It was only in the last few minutes of the game that the Apostles managed another score closing the game at 37-32.
The first fixture back after Christmas and New Year was against the League favourites, the AGC. However, the polls on the ARU social told a different story and the Apostles were firm favourites to win. Unfortunately, this time, it was not meant to be. The AGC came prepared and with a very strong, well drilled team. This saw
RAPTC RUFC “THE APOSTLES”
SSgt (SSI) J Miller RAPTC & SSgt (SSI) K Mortimer RAPTC
WO2 Brightey & SSgt Brimble receive their ‘Red Caps’ from Capt Osborne