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The season opening Williamson Trophy tournament took place at Deepcut on 9 Sep with entries from six units; 9 Sup Regt, 13 AASR, 17 P&M and 29 Regt plus 4 LSR and 27 Regt rear parties that were more like Sqn teams . The teams played in two leagues with lots of early promise shown and despite the varying rugby pedigree on display there were no easy games as every scrap of possession and territory was fiercely contested. The aim of this tournament has historically been to select or confirm the Corps’ playing squad for the coming and to some extent it fulfilled that but for 2009 that were the added dimension of identifying talent for the Warriors side. The Warriors team is a development side aimed at helping players make the transition from Regimental to representative rugby. The team’s previous outing was the Flanders 10s at the end of last season and it is intended to build on that success and impetus by playing an RAF Regional side in the near future – further fixtures are planned throughout the season and will be promulgated on the website (www.rlcrufc.co.uk). Any RLC player out there who wishes to be considered should contact the RLC Committee via the webmaster.
Anyway back to the tournament, following a morning a league matches the Semi-Final games were determined. In the first the Suppliers of Hullavington faced the airborne troops of Colchester in what turned out to an outstanding game that was as brutal as it was committed. The game ebbed and flowed until late in the 2nd half when 9 Regt edged a couple of scores, based on some fantastic open play from a rejuvenated (38 year old) Cpl Charlie Wainiqolo and the slightly younger Pte Joe Baker, that secured them a place in the final. The second semi-final was to be contested between the movers and posties from South Cerney and the maritime trades of Marchwood in an equally competitive game but 17’s speed and class was too much for 29 Regt who were missing their talismanic player Capt Al Tindale who had gone to Wembley to steward at the England vs Croatia kiss-ball World Cup qualifier.
Several years ago Maj Chris Cox was killed in Germany as a result of being knocked off his cycle and given his years of commitment to Corps rugby it was decided shortly afterwards to dedicate the plate final of this competition as the Chris Cox Memorial Trophy and in that the losing semi-finalists of 13 and 29 Regts prepared to repeat the inter-unit final of last season. However, prior to that the two-teams placing 3rd in the league stages were set to play-off for 5th and 6th position and despite the sides being based primarily on 60 CS Sqn (4LSR) and 19 Tk Tptr Sqns (27 Regt) the standard of rugby in this game was worthy of a much higher level and the passion and determination displayed was exemplary. 27 Regt eventually proved too strong for 4 Regt although the omens look very good for both sides as more players return from operations.
The Chris Cox Memorial Trophy got underway with 13 AASR fielding a guest player at tight-head prop, namely LCpl Ben Evans who is a TA Driver based in Cornwall as a member of 155 Sup Regt RLC(V). It may be open to dispute but it’s believed that this is the first time a TA soldier has participated in the tournament. The fact that since last season TA personnel are eligible to represent the Corps and above doesn’t necessarily facilitate such participation as support from units and commitment from suitable individuals is also required. Thankfully in this case it all fell into place and, following a mammoth drive from Bodmin to Deepcut, Ben acquitted himself admirably and will undoubtedly be encouraged to attend future Warriors fixtures. Representative rugby (for both codes and both sexes) is open to all TA personnel, any RLC TA are encouraged to also contact the RLC Committee via the website. The itself game began with some open, frenetic and savage exchanges and it was clear no player intended to take a backward step and following some flowing play 29 Regt managed to edge ahead by a score and despite considerable pressure from 13 Regt the backs from 29 Regt added a second score. 13 Regt finally began to gel and put together some flowing play that realised two scores in quick succession and it was clear that this was going to be something of a nail-biter. 29 re-took the initiative after some superb inter-linking and support play but despite being 15-14 behind 13 Regt threw everything at their opposition, eventually earning a penalty kick 30m out that the new Regt 2IC, Maj Steve Jermy, pushed wide of the uprights. The pressure remained, however on 29 and as the 22 drop-out fell to the attackers they drove possession back towards 29 Regt’s line and in the dying moments of the game 13 Regt secured a well-deserved win with a forwards driven score in the right corner in what was an absolutely cracking game – indeed the best of the day and certainly worthy in memory of Chris.
The Williamson Trophy final was set between 9 Supply Regt, who themselves were deplete through Op commitments, and last year’s winners 17 Port & Maritime Regt. The game began as all others with some crunching hits, with one or two a bit too high in typical Fiji style although the referee deemed them legal. The early pressure was exerted by 9 Regt that manifest in them taking an early lead through a converted penalty, however 17 responded quickly with a try after securing possession (dubiously) from a ruck close to 9 Regt’s try-line. In characteristic fashion 17 Regt spread the play from the restart and Army 7s star LCpl Malaki Magnus drifted through a gap to add a 2nd score which in turn was reinforced with another try from fellow Army player Pte Bunny Burenivalu. At half-time the score was 21-3 but the 9 Regt heads did not drop and they began the second period in the same fashion as the first and only failed to cross the line due to a succession of penalty offences from 17 but they were unable to exploit this pressure and score any points. Indeed Magnus darted through some grasping tackles before breaking clear to end the game as a contest.
A cracking day, once again, with lots of new talent identified. Here’s hoping for a more successful season at Unit and Corps level in 2009/10. Check the website for upcoming fixtures for the Snr XV, the Women, the Warriors and the Veterans. | 
