Thanks to the persuasive skills of deputy chair of The Dukies Association, Samantha Lynch, we managed to secure a fantastic location for this year’s Army vs. Navy Dukie get-together. Just 100 metres from the stadium, we had the use of a car park in the Twickenham trading estate.

Dave Russell, the school’s RSM, travelled up early that morning in the school Land Rover to set up the gazebo and refreshments. He was accompanied by his son, Billy (RAVC). Thanks to Billy for his help setting up and manoeuvring the considerable amount of beer, wine, lager, cider, and soft drinks.

Guests started arriving from 1115hrs, and it immediately became clear that this was going to be a great day. The sun was out, the beer was good, and the company even better!

The oldest alumni at the event were Peter Wright and Steven Thorning (class of 1973).  I do wonder if more of the older generation might have attended had the excellent Dukie Luncheon not been on the previous weekend?

There were 16 guests who were leavers in the 1980s and 1990s, but the largest group was the 50 who left the school since the millennium. We also had several friends and family attending, the largest group of 18 coming with Steve Rogers. Many of Steve’s friends remarked on what a great day they had compared to the many times they had previously been to the match and other pre-match get-togethers with their former units.

Shortly before the 1400hrs kick-off, we made the short walk to our seats. In a change from recent years, Dukies were seated together. I believe this can only enhance the event, to be sat with friends and those with whom we share a common bond.

Twickenham was not as busy as it has been in the past; however, the atmosphere was still most enjoyable.

In the first half, probably against the expectations of neutral spectators, the Navy built up a significant lead, with the half-time score at 29 – 5. They had been clinical throughout the half, with standout performances from their numbers 9, 14, and 15.

The Army started strongly in the second half, with the big Fijian number 8 scoring a try after just 75 seconds.

The Army continued to chip away at the Navy’s lead, but at 29 – 24, the Navy managed to score a penalty, followed by a converted try. At 39 – 24, with only 11 minutes to go, it seemed that the Navy had the game in the bag. However, the Army scored a converted try on 70 minutes, only to be thwarted by another Navy penalty. With only 4 minutes of normal time to go, the Army required 12 more points to win the game. They quickly scored and converted, but with just one minute left, the Navy kicked off. With just 3 seconds left on the clock, the Army gained a penalty on their own 10-metre line. They kicked for touch, only reaching the halfway line. They won their line-out and, after 3 phases, made a fantastic break down the left side of the pitch, which was wonderfully finished by the Army number 11. The final score was 43 - 42 to the Army. What a finish!

With plenty of refreshments remaining, the majority of the guests returned to the Land Rover for another hour or so to let the queues at Twickenham Stadium reduce.

A great day with great weather, great company, and surprisingly excellent rugby!