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The final phase of the 21/22 season saw the Apostles play the AGC in the Corps Final at Aldershot. Previously, both teams notched up convincing wins against other League 3 competitors, so it was all to play for. The first half was a close battle; a few penalties from each team and a try to the Apostles saw them lead 10-6 at halftime. Fitness played its part in the second half; the relentless pressure was awarded a second try. The prize for several seasons of hard work was the Apostles being crowned Corps Champions.
June, the Apostles conducted an OSV to Gibraltar on Ex STEEPROCK APOSTLE. Spearheaded by WO1 (SMI) Walsh, the visit lined the team up against a strong Gibraltar Select and entering a 7’s competition. The competition brought invited teams from across the globe, bringing a highly competitive edge. The tour kicked off with a win against the Gibraltar Select, creating a positive atmosphere in the team before the 7’s. Winning our first two games we couldn’t maintain the form and lost the final two games, unfortunately knocking us out of the tournament. Previous tours, the Apostles have always conducted community engagement, this was no different. With their best “Alan Titchmarch” impressions, the Apostles visited a local Alcohol and Drugs Rehab Centre and completed essential groundworks for the facilities.
After being crowned Champions and a very successful OSV, the Apostles went into the 22/23 season the number 1 team to beat. An early friendly match against the AAC gave the Apostles a chance to eye up the competition for the year. A close game against a new young team saw the Apostles victorious 39-34.
ARU Corps Finals Team Photo
RAPTC RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB “THE APOSTLES”
SSgt (SSI) J Miller RAPTC & SSgt (SSI) K Mortimer RAPTC
The early success in the season was short-lived, and our first game against the AGC saw them claw back a win after being down by 10 points at halftime. The Full-time score was RAPTC 20 – 31 AGC. The AAC returned to Aldershot in November, but this time they came off the victors. Another close game with only 7 points separating both teams until the 60th minute. The Apostles ended up on the wrong side of a few decisions resulting in a yellow card which gave the AAC a chance to launch some good attacks, with the match finishing 18-45 in favour of the AAC. With another forfeited game by the Int Corps just before Christmas, the New Year’s fixtures against the AGC & AAC were played with complete determination and effort. Still, unfortunately, that couldn’t be converted onto the scoreboard and saw the Apostles lose both of their final
games, not qualifying for the final.
Off the field, the club developed its longevity by finding new Apostles and awarding those who supported the club for several years:
New Apostles: Sgt (SI) J Duran (#72), Sgt (SI) H Pine (#73), Sgt (SI) P Douglas (#74), Sgt (SI) S Hobbs (#75), Sgt (SI) J Tait (#76) & Sgt (SI) L Knight (#77).
In addition, WO2 (QMSI) A Stephenson RAPTC (#14) awarded his 8-year red cap and Capt (MAA) P Newton RAPTC (#7) awarded his RAPTC Sports Colours.
Another fantastic year for the Apostles both on and off the pitch. The previous year’s highs had not been reached, so it is time to recalibrate and prepare for the next season.
Ex STEEPROCK APOSTLE Team Photo - Rock of Gibraltar
Capt (MAA) Newton Receiving his Corps Colours