News and features
Troops tackle town on rugby field
16 Air Assault Brigade joined forces with Colchester Rugby Football Club to stage a community rugby day on Bank Holiday Monday (6 May). The highlight of the free event, which took place at Colchester RFC’s Mill Road ground, was a match between the Brigade's Dakota XV and Colchester RFC Barbarians.
In a closely-fought contest played out in front of hundreds of spectators, the match ended in a 33-33 draw after each team scored five tries but missed a conversion. The result meant Dakota XV retained the trophy they had earned after winning last year’s inaugural match.
The day also feature mini-rugby matches and displays of military equipment, with music from The Band of The Parachute Regiment. An auction and collection raised an estimated £2,000 for Wooden Spoon, the rugby charity that supports mentally and physically disadvantaged children.