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A Day At Our Paces

Cold, blustering winds and the threat of the heavens opening upon us at any second was the conditions at which four squadron members put themselves at the mercy at, for the trials of the Wing Junior Rugby Team.

From the start of the day, with easy passing and ball handling skills, the harsh cold and demands of the rugby instructors came at us from every direction. We all took the constant flow of “faster” and “what was that” as we were all there for one purpose. To make the team.

After confirming that everyone present at least had handled a rugby ball before we split into our relevant groups, forwards and backs. Two Civilian Instructors were with my group, "the backs"

We backs are known for stealing the glory from the ever-working forwards, scooping goals that were fought hard for by the bruisers of the team. But us backs also have the need for the occasional tackle, especially the fullback. Getting started with simple chase and tackle games the group was evidently in half with those who played regularly to those who played once or twice every so often. 

All the backs worked their socks off, with some amazing tackles and trys from all members of the group. Showing immense capability in the game, and after a short tea break we got straight into a game situation. Cadet Clough played hooker for one team, with Cadet Nnoruka as a scrum half. Cadet Smith played a great game as the left-winger and I gave a fair performance as full back. After four hours of gruelling training, scoring, passing, running and downright hard work, the whole team was exhausted and the instructors had made their final decisions. Who had made it and who had not.

I was chosen as the teams full back, with Smith put down on the team sheet as left-winger. Clough became the third lucky squad member as reserve hooker and to top it all off Nnoruka became the reserve scrum half. All in all the day was a fantastic success with the four Bedford squadron hopefuls into the team. AWO Taylor commented, “All involved made a huge effort and it has paid off. Well done to all four.”

Cpl Sean Denham