Senior Rugby Report

From Cdt Sgt Andrew Le Baigue 2203 (Hatfield and de Havilland) Sqn

On 1st October ten cadets from Herts and Bucks Wing took the trip to RAF Cranwell to take part in the Central and East rugby sevens tournament. Turning up as a slap dash bunch of lads, we quickly transformed into the team to beat winning our first game comfortably with Sgt Rob Wallis and Sgt Andrew Le Baigue putting points on the board. Going onto be undefeated in our first four games, with many of the lads scoring, it came down to the last game as to who would be the champions of Central and East region.

Moments of excellence from Sgt Wallis and darting runs down the wing from Cdt Tom Record and FS Shaun Kellam kept the scoreboard ticking over in our favour. A great last ditch tackle from Cdt Record managed to keep the opposition from coming back into the game and powerful running in the centres through Cpl Patrick Hopson allowed Sgt Christian Sloan to also cross the line. Mention should also go to FS Mike Easter and Sgt Jack Emmins, both playing their first game of competitive rugby outside of school, for their support play and handling skills.

After a long hard day of putting in 100% in a very hot day, the Herts and Bucks Wing team deservedly came out on top with many of the team asked to return to trial for the Central and East Regional team. Nothing more could be asked from the guys playing and it was one of the best tournaments I have played in.

Fg Off Alex Duncan RAFVR(T), the Wing rugby team manager, added, “All ten cadets worked very hard all day and this victory really was a full squad effort. The main difference on the day between us and the other wings was how well the cadets worked together as a team which was fantastic to see. I hope we can go onto replicate this success in the inter-Wing junior rugby championships on Sunday 29th January 2012.”