Page 64 - QDG 2022

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1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Rugby
QDG RFC was eager to get things back on track after an undefeated 2019 season, that was marred by COVID which kept the team from bringing any silverware back to RBSM.
By participating in a Task Group/Multinational Touch
Rugby Competition and defeating every opponent, C Sqn
set the standard while deployed
in Mali. This included a Barbar-
ians team that was comprised
of all the best players from the
other teams. Club captain, Cpl
James Casey, got in touch with the WRU, who sent us a signed Wales jersey and a few WRU Match balls.
In Mali, A Sqn continued the rugby theme with a tournament featuring Welsh, English, Irish, and Fijian teams. Rumour has it that Sgt Sky’s refereeing may have favoured his compatriots over his colleagues. Again, the WRU provided Welsh Kits courtesy of former QDG SNCO, Daz Carew.
After returning from Operations, C Sqn was able to take advantage of some adventurous training by organ- ising a rugby tour to the Flanders 10s through Sgt DJ. Even with a limited squad strength/size, we were able to compete adequately in this festival-style tournament with semi-professionals and finished in the top half. Scuffles with French teams, drinking games with the Irish, a Sgt Adam Humphrey’s guns show on the dance floor, and an internationally famous celebratory double-back by Lt Swailes were among the highlights.
Now that the entire Regiment had returned from operations, we were back in Wales conducting homecoming parades (Ex EAGLE RETURN). There was no better way to promote QDG in its recruiting territory than by displaying some rugby! A match against Morriston RFC, winners of the Division 2 League, was organised by local soldier Tpr Dempsey.
The decision to play the game in quarters was made by the referee on a scorching day with lively spectators lining
Hiding in the gym has its perks
the touchlines. The defences of both teams were extremely solid. However, QDG scored out wide in the second quarter thanks to a quick turnover, fast handling by LCpl Tukana, and blistering pace by LCpl Cellan Williams. Morriston made some changes with their larger squad, and a lot of attacks came after. Cpl James Thomas’ exceptional defensive reading kept them out. A hard-fought and well-earned 5-0 win.
Now back into a familiar Regimental battle rhythm, QDG RFC entered the Army Rugby Union Knock-Out Cup. We drew an unknown quantity, Wattisham Warriors in a home fixture.
Maj Pecks Jones’ professional approach, which he brought to the team during the 2019 season, has served QDG RFC well. Sgt Sky organised the changing rooms, Sgt Chez Williams set up the pitch (complete with gazebo), and even Tpr Chew, a rookie, led the team warm-ups. The background staff were
exceptional, this allowed the team to concentrate on one thing – the W.
An enthusiastic team run prior to kick off was punctuated by WO2 Nav’s passionate reminder to the team that QDG have never lost at home, that this is a “fortress,” and that we should not “leave the field unless we are carried off.” The team looked sharp with Cpl Rees, the Captain for the upcoming season, calling the shots.
With a strong set piece from debutant front rower Sgt Raikoso, QDG came out of the blocks firing, with Sgt DJ striking first from the base of the scrum. As the game opened, tries were scored in the wider channels thanks to individual bril- liance and Fijian flair. 27-0 at HT.
Warriors scored as ill-discipline set in early in the second half. Following this wake-up call, QDG intensified the pressure. Cpl Ronan Lewis, who came back from Crickhowell just for this game, threw precise line-out balls. He then scored because of the driving maul dominance. Sgt Squeaky Griffiths scored and did some epic open running thanks to Cpl Bobo’s strong midfield carries. 56-7 FT score.
Post-match rituals included a recep- tion in the Cpls Mess followed by a trip to Spoons. Some squad members won’t forget lessons they learnt from missing taxis and enduring a long, cold walk back to camp.
The Royal Armoured Corps rugby team has always benefited greatly from QDG’s talent pool, and this year was no excep-
Over the hair...I mean try line.
5-0 hot victory in Morriston