A new-look Army team crossed for three tries in a stirring second-half comeback to down Inter-Services champions the Royal Air Force in the opening round of rugby league’s Challenge Cup.
The Reds, who had eight players making their debuts in the Aldershot showdown, found themselves trailing 16-6 in the early stages of the second period before a brace from Pte Meli Tuicina (RLC) helped inspire them to a 22-16 victory and set up a clash with Wests Warriors in the next round.
The visitors made the perfect start to the all-military tie as AS1 Ewan Makinson crashed over for a converted try before AR Luke Broadbent stretched the lead to 10-0 as he ghosted home on the right flank.
However, the soldiers established a foothold in the game courtesy of Fus Petero Canakaivata (Scots), who used his searing pace out wide to round off a cross-field move.
With skipper LCpl Mikey McDonald (RE) – whose brother Spr Cameron McDonald (RE) was among the debutants – adding the extras the Army reduced the deficit to 10-6 at the break.
Their rivals went on to add a third try of the afternoon courtesy of Cpl Sam Roberts before the momentum shifted.
Pte Joeli Varo (R Yorks) had the simple job of touching down following a swift break from Kgn Jeremaia Deveta (Lancs) on the left wing and Tuicina then took centre stage.
Firstly, the forward powered over following an electrifying break by Canakaivata before he sprinted in under the posts to complete a solo run from inside his own half.
“In typical Army style, we didn’t start well,” head coach Cpl Leigh Paul-Rientoul (R Yorks) told SoldierSport.
“We had a chat at half-time to put a few things right as we were making dumb errors in the wrong areas of the field.
“We spoke about spreading the ball wide, which we did in the second half, and it paid off. Mikey McDonald was the difference; he can control a game and that is why we decided to make him captain.
“We needed to put a few things right after we lost in the Inter-Services, and I think this performance shows we are in the mix for this year’s competition.”
Paul-Rientoul was also pleased to see so many newcomers stepping up to the plate following the departure of key personnel in recent times.
“We are in a transition period and have lost a lot of players, as well as changing the coaching team,” he continued.
“We’ve had to grizz it out and get through but have now got a good group together.”
The Army were in action against Wests Warriors as this issue went to press, with the winners facing Super League powerhouses Leeds Rhinos in the third round.
