Debutants shine as British Army weather the storm against an improving USA Military

The British Army senior men's rugby union team have continued their 100% winning record against the USA Military at the Army Rugby Stadium in Aldershot.

An 18-5 victory in their annual Remembrance fixture saw a number of younger Army stars impress, but also highlighted the progress of the Americans who closed the gap in quality once again.

The Army team featured a large number of debutants, with some of their usual senior players set to appear for the UK Armed Forces in Gloucester.

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Under-23s star Ben Hurford-John took his opportunity to score a debut try as he crashed over in the corner following a good pass from Alexander Gliksten, who failed to convert.

The USA team hit back with a long period of sustained attacking pressure and it paid off as the powerful frame of Pita Qiolevu couldn’t be stopped from crossing the tryline.

However, once again, the dreadful rainy weather in Aldershot got in the way as Noah Cooper also missed with the kick.

The USA Military were hard-working and industrious, and the respect they earned from their opposition was on full show when the Army decided to take the three points from a penalty, with Gliksten kicking through the posts for an 8-5 half-time lead.

The second half continued in the same pattern as the first period, with the wet weather causing many individual errors and it was the Army who went further ahead. Tomasi Vula finding space on the wing following the scrum and dotting down with ease for an unconverted try.

It was a similar situation where the Army added their final try to confirm their status as winners.

Taitsui Qaniuci’s great carry allowed Lemeki Tulele the easy job of finishing it off for an 18-5 win.