SPORT NEWS
A first victory for the Javelins vs Abbey Wood RFC
Your Soldiers and
Officers have given a fantastic account of themselves on the playing field
A close match vs the Mercians
ARRC JAVELINS SEASON ROUND UP
by Maj David Lester-Morris a score line in our favour of 27 – 47 . To be fair , our pack was loaded with out and out back row players , which came into their own as the match went on . This was the first victory for the Javelins in the Club ’ s short history since 2017 .
It is with pride and thanks that the ARRC Javelins Rugby Football Club ( RFC ) close down the regular season for 21 / 22 . Your Soldiers and Officers have given a fantastic account of themselves on the playing field in matches , training and general support to the Club and its future .
Having returned from Covid lockdown under the guidance of Col Hodgson , Major Lester-Morris and Capt Mataitini , the Javelins assembled , flourished , remained resilient and ended on a three match high in 2022 . The foundations were set in 2021 , lessons learnt through defeat and the desire to get out and play carried the Javelins through . ( Insert pics which cover Abbey Wood in Jul 21 )
A brutally physical and close encounter versus an amalgamated MERCIANs side left the players buzzing in February ; the score line of 24-28 , against a large and talented squad , left the team proud of their efforts . Both teams came together for a prayer and a song in honour of a MERCIAN team mate who had been required to go back to Fiji to bury a loved one who was lost to the floods . It was an amazing occasion .
The Javelins then took this confidence back to Abbey Wood RFC , where the Cup contenders expected a walk-over , as had often historically been the case . Alas , the Javelins weren ’ t there to make up the numbers or give them a warmup ahead of the Cup match ! Our athletic , courageous and skilful side stayed switched on until the end , as Abbey Wood struggled with how all their attacks were thwarted . The Javelins turned the screw toward the closing stages of the match , leaving
Finally , the Javelins went on the road once more to 1st Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps . As with any home match , their side had their pick of available players and even their bench was chock full . Probably the Javelins were underestimated , and although we did solicit the support of their bench at the mid-way point , to add to our number ( 2 pax ); the majority of the side were ours . This match went right to the wire , with the 1RLC having an impact but the Javelins held strong , despite losing loaned players to the bin ( a competitive unit ) and won 21-23 .
All in all , over 40 players have trained , supported and played for the Club in 21 / 22 . Notably our Polish , American ,
First team huddle post lockdown vs Abbey Wood Jul 21
Canadian and German partners have taken to the field with us , and Italians enjoyed training . We have trained 4 coaches with 1 posted in , leaving 3 remaining for season 22 / 23 after the summer posting churn .
It has been my privilege to lead the club as Rugby Officer , player and latterly coach . Huge thanks go to Capt Abel Mataitini for holding the team together and coaching the side through Covid as well as his guidance on the organisation throughout . He and I leave in place the following committee at the end of June :
Chairman : Col William Robinson ( ACOS PLANS )
Playing Capt : Lt Harrison Seymour ( 252 Sig Sqn )
Head Coach : Cpl Jose Utovou ( Sp Div ) Asst 1 : LCpl Nalewabau ( R Sigs ) Asst 2 : Capt Jonny Edis ( G3 )
Stores / Support / Medic : SSgt Sivo ( GARRCSPBN )
Social / Media : Flt Lt Rob Horne ( G2 )
Female Rep / Pitch-side Medic : Spr Robinson
Please follow the Club on Facebook : @ ARRCJAVELINSRFC
The Club are clear contenders in the ARU Cup Competition next season and offers abound for a ‘ Six Nations style ’ competition with local blue light and civil service teams .
28 SUMMER 2022 the imjin