RAF Academy Vs Cheltenham

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The lads arrived at Brize Norton on Friday 24th at the station gym for 2000. They were met by myself and Chf Tech Spicer 'splat' the fitness and conditioning coach from the 1st XV.

He took them through nutrition and fitness programmes. He then went on to do a VO2 session, as a way to measure the lads fitness. I have been instilling how important their fitness is and Splat really opened their eyes to the way they need to develop themselves physically whilst we develop their playing ability. A really good session bought into by all the players, some great feed back from them. We had 28 lads again which is great and more new faces.

Due to coaching vacancy problems Cpl Chris Gawler and Cpl Phil Thomas helped out to baby-sit the Forwards and Backs respectively as Sgt Tug Wilson (head coach) and Sgt Bob MacKay worked between the two sets.

The team have developed further and things are beginning to click a little. We need the same squads for the next three games and top cover to ensure we get them. The extended squad of varying ages numbers around 50, some that will be around for another two years and some that have a great deal of promise if we develop them properly.

The game on Sunday was again against the 2nd XV which is a good level and physically they were stronger and bigger.

We scored first after 5 mins (SAC Martin McRobbie - RAF Valley) via a good pickup and run to the line then went to sleep and thought it would be easy (experience!!). Cheltenham scored 2 tries (one converted) and two penalties to make it 18 - 5 at half time.

Positives from the game were when we concentrated they played 5 or 6 phases and went forward, dramatically. Some players had very good games. Martin McRobbie at Full Back especially and 'Lofty' Freeman (Akrotiri) in the second row as well. Cheltenham even approached Freeman after the game to train with them. Lineouts functioned very well and we won some good ball. this will cause some big problems for our opposition.

Cheltenham scored their only try in the 2nd half after 44 mins then their winger kicked and raced in the corner to touchdown.

Our second try was scored by Fly Half Steve Mills good chip into space and collected it to run in under the posts, very well executed and converted.

Final score the U23's were defeated 12 - 23.

So we won the second half again but need to play the whole game at a consistent level.