Army (39) v Navy (25)
5 May 07 - Twickenham

Army six shooters - they win for a record 6th consecutive time
Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

The Army celebrated their Centenary with a stylish 39pts-25 win over their hundred year old rivals-the Royal Navy at Twickenham on 5 May. Securing the Babcock Trophy gave the Army Inter Services Championships for a record sixth consecutive time.

Led by the irrepressible Mal Roberts (RLC) at full back the Army scored a try in the opening minutes, No 13 Peceli Nacamavuto (RE) exploding through the centre only for the Navy to strike back with a penalty and a try
Thereafter the lead changed hands no fewer than six times before the Army drew away in the final quarter of an hour.

The Army front row of Chris Budgen, Georgie Kemble (both R Welsh) and Steve Trethewey (REME) were rock solid and took every opportunity to drive the hard yards.

At lock the Sapper pairing Ben Hughes and Darrell Ball complemented each other, Hughes taking the ball in at every opportunity to draw the tacklers whilst Ball, who has now added strength and physical presence to his valuable speed, moved the ball around the flanks and into space.

Mal Roberts (RLC) - Army XV Team Captain

Peceli Nacamavuto (RE) - Man of the Match

Back row of Mark Lee and Isoa Damudamu (both Scots),and Ledua Jope (AGC), all sevens internationals, laid the foundation for a lively debate around the fringes and at the breakdown. Swift clear-out enabled the Reds' half backs James Gill (AMS) and Rob Sweeney (Welsh Guards) smoothly to transfer the ball to centres Apo Satala (Scots) and 'Man of the Match' Nacamavuto (RE) who did the damage. The sheer threat of Magnus Malakai (RLC) outside the centres helped stretch the Navy defence until it broke.


Isoa Damudamu
Ledua Jope

Navy right wing Josh Drauniniu scored two tries, the first from an interception when the Army has sufficient unmarked numbers out on the left to suffocate the dead ball area with red shirts.

The Navy lead was cancelled out when Damudamu surged to the left corner, was tackled but not held and rose to thrust the ball over the line one handed.


Malakai Magnus On 65 minutes with the score tied at 25pts all, Ben Seru (RE) zipped under te posts for a second 'sevens style' try and the pack doubled the advantage with an unstoppable surge using Steve Trethewey (REME) in the vanguard.

Nacamavuto was undoubtedly the 'Man of the Match' for his runs at and through the Blues defence that gave the Army two possibly three tries. However 'mention in despatches' must go to the unproven half-back pairing of James Gill and Rob Sweeney who were newcomers to Twickenham where experience really counts.. The hinge worked sweetly and from there everything was possible.

Also Rob Sugden (Coldm Gds) who came on for Hughes, sealed off the line out and tackled, tackled, got up and tackled. I doubt whether Twickenham has seen such a defensive display by a lock forward in recent times at any level.

This was a cracking game of rugby with sufficient brawn and brain for every taste in the 42,000 crowd. It was also the Army's best performance for some time. The forwards and backs moved harmoniously. Four tries came from inspirational play, the fifth from sheer power as the Navy pack ran out of gas. Fly half Sweeney kicked two penalties and converted four of the Reds' five tries.

This article was posted on 10-May-2007, 20:51 by Hugh Barrow.