We travelled down to Jinmuji to face the US Navy again in what was supposed to be a 3 way tournament against All France. Unfortunately All France were very short of players, as were we and so we joined forces to face a fired up Navy team with Big Stu playing his final match for the George Washington. It was also the final game for Tom, Jackson and Geo for the CRU so everyone was keen to end their time in Japan on a high note.
Navy started the game brightly and had 2 early tries on the board before the Baa Baa’s as they were known on the day had even begun to play. Some poor first time defence as well as a lack of communication from the random mix of French, Japanese, Aussies and Americans made it too easy for Navy. Some tenacious tackling from Geo, last ditch defence from Jackson and some storming work in the middle by new star lock Alex kept the Baa Baa’s in touch at half time down by 17-0.
The loud mouth Aussie came on at half time for the AF scrum half and quickly upped the tempo and some good hard running by Yoshi saw him score a deserved try and quickly another one was added after good work down the blind from the AF number 8 saw us score in the corner. Unfortunately as we tired some poor first time tackles allowed the swift Navy backs to score some easy tries and add to the scoreboard late on. Not the way Geo, Jackson and Tom wanted to go out – losing both the game and the boat race afterwards as Navy smashed us with one drink to go! A fun day out for all though, and we look forward to the Rugby League season starting next week, Sevens, Tens, Beach Rugby and the Summer Tour before Union season starts again in September.
Special mention to Steven Lin playing his first game for the CRU and of course to Geo, Jackson and Tom who have been integral members of the CRU during their short time in Japan. We all hope you guys continue to play and enjoy rugby wherever you go and rest assured you’ll always be welcome back in a Crusaders shirt anytime you’re back in Japan – no matter how old you are!
We travelled down to Jinmuji to face the US Navy again in what was supposed to be a 3 way tournament against All France. Unfortunately All France were very short of players, as were we and so we joined forces to face a fired up Navy team with Big Stu playing his final match for the George Washington. It was also the final game for Tom, Jackson and Geo for the CRU so everyone was keen to end their time in Japan on a high note.
Navy started the game brightly and had 2 early tries on the board before the Baa Baa’s as they were known on the day had even begun to play. Some poor first time defence as well as a lack of communication from the random mix of French, Japanese, Aussies and Americans made it too easy for Navy. Some tenacious tackling from Geo, last ditch defence from Jackson and some storming work in the middle by new star lock Alex kept the Baa Baa’s in touch at half time down by 17-0.
The loud mouth Aussie came on at half time for the AF scrum half and quickly upped the tempo and some good hard running by Yoshi saw him score a deserved try and quickly another one was added after good work down the blind from the AF number 8 saw us score in the corner. Unfortunately as we tired some poor first time tackles allowed the swift Navy backs to score some easy tries and add to the scoreboard late on. Not the way Geo, Jackson and Tom wanted to go out – losing both the game and the boat race afterwards as Navy smashed us with one drink to go! A fun day out for all though, and we look forward to the Rugby League season starting next week, Sevens, Tens, Beach Rugby and the Summer Tour before Union season starts again in September.
Special mention to Steven Lin playing his first game for the CRU and of course to Geo, Jackson and Tom who have been integral members of the CRU during their short time in Japan. We all hope you guys continue to play and enjoy rugby wherever you go and rest assured you’ll always be welcome back in a Crusaders shirt anytime you’re back in Japan – no matter how old you are!
