Double dragons

Royal retention: LCpl Bati Bativagone leads the charge as 2 R Welsh recover a 12-point deficit to beat 23 Pioneer Regiment in the Premiership Cup final

REIGNING champions 2 R Welsh battled back from a ten-point deficit to retain Rugby Union’s Army Premiership Cup in a thrilling rain-soaked final at Aldershot, writes Roger Thompson.

Like opponents 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC, the Welshmen only returned from operations at the turn of the year and had to play catch-up at a furious pace simply to make it into the competition.

But qualify they did and an effective display propelled the holders to a 17-10 victory that few in the capacity crowd would have predicted at half time.

The loggies sprang out of the traps the fastest as they looked to avenge last season’s 22-12 defeat and although number eight Pte Joe Kava loomed large, the Fijian was too often isolated.

With the forwards failing to make an impact, 23 Pioneer found inspiration through Pte Max Vave, whose two tries gave his side a double-figure lead going into the second half.

With their grasp on the trophy loosening, the champions introduced LCpl Chris Budgen from the bench and the prop led a series of short charges to dent his opponent’s confidence.

As the Welsh forwards turned the screw, 23 Pioneer lost their composure to give away five cheap penalties, four of which full back LCpl James Balfrey slotted home to put his side into the lead for the first time.

Trailing 12-10, the Pioneers responded well, but a Welsh counter attack ended with scrum half LCpl Marc Jones delicately lobbing into the corner for wing Cpl Tavis Rees to score.

Balfrey missed the conversion, but his side held on to ensure their name remains on the Premiership trophy.