Match Report

ACT Vets v RMC Staff & Cadets - Saturday 19 June 2010

Saturday 19 June 2010 saw the annual Commandant’s Cup fixture between the ACT Vets and the RMC 2nd XV being played at Portsea Oval as a curtain raiser for RMC’s 1st XV clash against another of the Vets external opponents the Bungendore Mudchooks.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning with a much earlier kick off than most Vets are used to but a full side plus reserves was scraped together with some key members of the Vets being available. “Kiwi” part of the Vets RMC contingent was noted to be absent and was seen wearing an RMC jumper and, later in the game, was seen to be surrendering. I suspect that this was because as a member of both clubs he wasn’t quite sure what to do.

There was early concern as to how the game was going to progress without a referee (I know, but they are a necessary part of the game) but fortunately Peter Gillard arrived with uniform and whistle and agreed to step up to the mark refereeing his first senior game after only a few junior games under his belt and performed admirably given the circumstances.

The younger, fitter, faster RMC cadets got off to a good start with three quick tries in the first ten minutes with the Vets in defence and the back foot with no ball to be able to hit back. In order to regain some parity in the game it was decided that there would be contested scrums with the Vets being able to exert dominance in the set piece due to a larger pack weight and greater technique, a dominance that was lost when RMC subbed one of their only front rowers and it was required that a return to uncontested scrums was in order for safety.

Strong performances were had by Mark “Fiddy” Woods and “Crusader” Dan Carter (whose cover defence was of its usual high quality) in the backs with Mick Trotter, Gareth “Mustard” Ellem and David “Tagger” Creagh providing plenty of go forward in the pigs. Gareth however let himself down when some last ditch defence close to the line by Jayson “AMG” Hinder, Scott “Truffle” Campey and John “Pudge” Hillier managed to turn over the RMC ball. Gareth’s attempt at a box kick failed dismally, travelling further sideways than going forwards and resulting in a try. It was agreed by all that, as with his attempts at fly half, his attempts at half back fall short of the required standards.

As usual this was a game played in good spirits despite a little bit of niggle between the two sides with Mick “Mick’s Ball” Dunne getting involved in a bit of handbag throwing with a member of the RMC staff, ably controlled by the referee.

Ian “Mad Dog” Wells contributed his traditional try to the game sealing the result.

Another great day where the oldest rugby club in the ACT with the youngest players fought out a 9 – 9 draw against the youngest rugby club in the ACT with the oldest players. As usual there was only one real winner…. Rugby.

This fixture further cemented the relationship between RMC and the ACT Veterans and we continue to be proud to call Portsea Oval, Duntroon the ACT Veterans' Home Ground.  

Dave Creagh

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