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RAF BROUGHT CRASHING DOWN TO EARTH IN 62 – 3 MAULING

Preparation for the 2009 Inter Services Competition took a massive blow when the RAF Senior XV were brought crashing back to earth by an exceptional Oxford University side. The RAF, severely hampered by injury and operational duties, fielded a relatively inexperienced side as only twelve RAF capped players were available for selection, Sqn Ldr Howard Parr took over the captaincy. Oxford on the other hand fielded a talented squad of players comprising of sixteen ‘Blues’ and two internationals, Anton Oliver (New Zealand – 59 caps) and Stan McKeen (Canada - 21 caps).

Oxford bossed the game from the off repeatedly battering the RAF defence until a penalty led to the first try of the game. The RAF No 8, JT Andrew Tibbatts was penalised for holding-on to the ball in the tackle area. Oxford organised swiftly with a quick tap and go, fast hands and excellent support play led to the Oxford Captain and hooker, Dan Rosen, breaching the RAF try-line at considerable pace.

There was little to compliment the RAF side during the first half as repeated infringement in the tackle area by several RAF players finally led to Flt Lt Tim Price receiving an inevitable yellow card and ten minutes in the sin-bin. Cpl Philip Thomas worked hard at full-back but was unable to prevent the ensuing support runners as he felled his target during each separate wave of attack. In the main, the RAF failed to maintain strict and cohesive defensive patterns, whilst the experienced Oxford players simply exploited the weakness with exceptional running from second row Ian Kench, back row Alex Cheeseman and wingers Sean Morris and Will Browne. With the halftime whistle approaching Oxford were firmly in charge leading 26 – 0.

Scant consolation came just before halftime with an exciting break from Thomas and debutant Fg Off Paul Cook. The pairing crossed the halfway line, and with some fancy footwork managed to breach the Oxford 22m. Infringement from the rallying Oxford defence led to a penalty kick and a yellow card for the Oxford second row Nic Van Zyl, the penalty was duly converted by Cpl Jason Balman, 26 – 3.

The halftime break saw Flt Lt Tim Price replaced with new addition to the RAF Squad, centre Fg Off Callum Smith. The RAF restarted the game taking the ball into the Oxford 22m area with promising attacks, the Oxford defence stood strong and prevented any chance of revival from the hopeful RAF. Unforced errors from the RAF saw the ball easily changing hands, but crunching tackles from Tibbatts and SAC Steve Green failed to regain the advantage or territory. Six minutes into the second half, Tibbatts was forced to leave the field unable to shake off an injury sustained earlier in the game. He was replaced by the veteran Rugby League player Cpl James Le-Mar who had temporarily switched codes to assist the beleaguered Rugby Union side.

Immediately after the replacement Cpl Gareth Spain found himself under pressure in the RAF 22m and a failed kick was charged down. Oxford charged on and following an unsuccessful RAF scrum in the 5m area once again capitalised on errors to open the second half scoring, 31 – 3.

Parr quickly took the opportunity to rally his men displaying firm direction and inspiring words of encouragement. The revival was short lived and the Oxford back line soon found the gaps now opening up in the RAF defence. Superb tackling from the gritty centre Smith failed to inspire those around him and simultaneous Oxford attacks were rewarded with both Sean Morris and Will Browne scoring a hat trick of tries.

With fifteen minutes left to play and the score now at 43 – 3, Green was forced to leave the field due to the re-occurrence of an old shoulder injury. Parr, who had been outstanding throughout, covered the field in both attack and defence. Sadly his efforts were un-rewarded, rarely matched and were not enough to prevent the Oxford team racking up the points.

Oxford won the game with a convincing 62 – 3 victory leaving the RAF Squad with much to reflect on before the encounter with Cambridge University on the 11th of February 2009.

After the game WO Steve Worrall (Chairman of Selectors) highlighted and reiterated to the young and uncapped members of the squad the high standard of rugby and level of intensity that they should come to expect. He said, “This is a wake-up call to the young and inexperienced players regarding their individual application and effort, and the intensity required. This is a real eye opener they should now have a real appreciation of what is required regarding their personal fitness and enhanced skill levels.” (Steve Worrall)

Forwards:

SAC Rob McGregor (RAF Marham), Cpl Ritchie Craig (RAF Odiham), SAC Colin Evans (RAF Leeming), Sqn Ldr Howard Parr (RAF Honington), Cpl Matthew Wood (RAF Wittering), SAC Steve Green (RAF Benson), Fg Off Daniel Kennedy (RAF Boulmer), JT Andrew Tibbatts (RAF Lyneham).

Backs:

Cpl Gareth Spain (MOD St Athan), Cpl Jason Balman (FDTC Crickhowell), Fg Off Paul Cook (RAF Linton-on-Ouse, Flt Lt Tim Price (RAF Lyneham), Fg Off Gareth Jacobs (RAF Marham, Cpl James Reid (RAF Marham), Cpl Philip Thomas (RAF Brize Norton).

Replacements:

Cpl Ian Gilmour (RAF Wittering), Cpl Adam Winchester (RAF Coningsby), SAC Anton Bainbridge (RAF Brize Norton), Cpl James Le-Mar (RAF Cosford), Cpl Richie Gunning (RAF Benson), Cpl Paul Hills (RAF Brize Norton), Fg Off Callum Smith (RAF Leuchars).

Written by

Sgt Shaun Hesmondhalgh

RAFRU Senior Squad Players’ Manager