Page 149 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

Rugby Season 2018/19
The RAPTC ‘Apostles’ Rugby Club has gone from strength to strength with our club ethos and cohesion stronger than ever. It has been a long and tough season with injuries taking their toll on players in key positions; nevertheless, credit to all members of the club who have consistently performed and helped drive our club forward. Our results reflect this seasons challenges but do not accurately portray the levels of commitment and perseverance which has been evident at all our fixtures and events. We stand strong as a club and even though some players may not be on the pitch they are still attending, supporting and coaching. This is what it means to be an Apostle and we are exceptionally proud of every single member and the direction our club is heading.
Merit 2 League Results
As an example of our club’s excellence, RAPTC players and coaching staff contributed and played both Rugby Union and Rugby League for the Army and Army Masters. Furthermore, SSgt (SSI) Brightey represented Brunei at an international level against China; a notable achievement highlighting the very best of our club.
RAPTC ‘Apostles’ RFC vs Durham City Pirates
As an Apostle you are part of a family and equally so the wider rugby community. When WO2 (QMSI) Andy Stephenson requested the help of our Apostles to facilitate a match which would coincide with a charity event he was organising in Newcastle, our club in true Apostles fashion stepped up and were more than happy to oblige. Our team were not only there to facilitate the fixture but also to show support to WO2 (QMSI) Andy Stephenson, his 12-year- old daughter Hannah and his family.
Hannah has an extremely rare chromosome defective disorder called Angelman Syndrome. Alongside the rugby fixture there were several initiatives taking place including an auction, raffle and live music. With all the proceeds in support of Angelman UK the event was a huge success and helped raise awareness of the disorder.
WO2 (QMSI) Andy Stephenson writes “The game commenced on a cold and frosty Wednesday evening on the 21 Nov 18, the black and red of the mighty Apostles Rugby Team were literally in toon! (as the Geordies say). Kingston Park, Newcastle, home of the English Rugby Unions Premierships Newcastle Falcons was the venue and it did a superb job of hosting both clubs and the event.
The game was well balanced, evenly contested and played in true rugby spirit although the final whistle saw the Pirates win the game 26 – 19. The Pirates team manager Andrew Oxhamsham picked up the Angelman Trophy from Mr Tim Payne (England, British & Irish Lions and European Cup Winner) now part of the Newcastle Falcons conditioning team, we thank him for his time and support.”
We are always looking for new members to join; as the self- proclaimed best club in the RAPTC we are a close-knit team of likeminded people playing the finest game in the world. When joining the RAPTC Rugby Club and after your first match you are given an Apostle number and pin badge, these are unique to each member and signifies your membership (no other club within the RAPTC does this). Here are some words from one of our newest members....
Sgt (SI) Jimmy Hull writes “After a RAPTC dinner night (and a few beers) I agreed to join the infamous RAPTC ‘Apostles’
Rugby Club. With minimal experience and knowledge of the game, members of the Apostles were quick to help and teach me the basics during a pre-game training session. With a relaxed atmosphere and constant encouragement, it has been a fantastic environment to learn the game. One of my first experiences of competitive rugby was realised as I caught the ball on the wing, I tried to dip my shoulder and cut inside from the touch line only to be picked up by one of the forwards and launched off the pitch. Later in the match I was able to find the ‘nasty man’ and wipe him out (Although I should note he was off balance and I had much assistance from my fellow Apostles). I look forward to the challenges of next season and would encourage other RAPTCIs considering the sport to join”.
Aspiring rugby players (of all abilities), first aiders, coaches and
support staff with an interest in joining the ‘Apostles’ rugby club should contact our secretary SSgt (SSI) Chris Mayhew RAPTC on 94731 3433 or email 1MI-BNHQ-TRG-RAPTCI@mod.gov.uk
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RAPTC RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB – APOSTLES
SSgt (SSI) C Mayhew RAPTC
Fixture
AGC
AAC
INT
AMS
RAC
Date
10-Oct-18
07-Nov-18
05-Dec-18
23-Jan-19
13-Feb-19
Result
Lost 43 - 10
Lost 56 - 10
Draw 17 - 17
Lost 62 - 6
Lost 60 - 18
Notable Representations
Rugby Union International
SSgt (SSI) Brightey (Representing Brunei)
Army Rugby Union
Sgt (SI) Chennell
WO2 (QMSI) D Slade-Jones (Coach) SSgt (SSI) Brimble (S+C Coach)
Army Rugby Union Masters
Maj (MAA) Boocock
WO1 (SMI) G Slade-Jones (Coach) SSgt (SSI) Bradley
Army Rugby 7s
SSgt (SSI) Miller
SSgt (SSI) Brimble (S+C Coach)
Army Rugby League
SSgt (SSI) J Kerman Sgt (SI) Brand
Army Masters Rugby League WO1 (SMI) G Slade-Jones WO2 (QMSI) Stephenson SSgt (SSI) Brightey
SSgt (SSI) Brimble
Sports Awards
2018/19
Apostle of the year:
Sgt (SI) Mortimer
Most improved
Apostle: Sgt (SI) Mortimer
President’s Award: SSgt (SSI) Brimble Chairman’s Award: SSgt (SSI) Brightey
Looking Forward...
RAPTC Rugby Tour (Canada) - 23 Jun – 10 Jul 19
Sgt (SI) K Mortimer RAPTC