Captain – Mr. Maurice Martin
Vice- Captain – Gajinder Singh Vij

“Georgiardi Sevens Invitational Rugby Tournament will be held at CC& FC on 23rd and 24th June, 2012.”

Season Report

The All India and South Asia Rugby kicked off in Mumbai on the 10th of September. The tournament was restricted to 8 teams as 4 teams couldn't make it due to various reasons. CCFC were clubbed in Pool A in the tournament which was to be played on knockout basis. CCFC played their first match against Delhi Hurricanes which boasted of various current and ex-India players alongwith two foreign players. CCFC started the match aggressively and were up 12-0 after the first 15 mins of play. CCFC ended the first half ahead by 12-5. The second half started with both teams having equal share of chances, but Delhi hurricanes broke away for a try and converted the same to level the score at 12-12. Delhi Hurricanes scored immediately afterwards and went into the lead 19-12. This scorelins stood for major part of the match remaining, which was approximately 20 minutes. CCFC attacked relentlessly, but concede another try in a counter attack in injury time, and went down 12-26.

CCFC played Tamil Nadu Police next, which was again a very close contest which resulted in a nail biting finish. TN Police went ahead with the first try, but were soon pulled back with a try by CCFC and the score was 5-5 at half time. TN Police scored early in the second half, and therefore went ahead 12-5. CCFC practically lived in the opposition 5 meter area before the try line but failed to score despite repeated efforts. The match ended on the same scoreline. Even though the match was marred by some poor refereeing, but CCFC got enough opportunity to score and level, if not win. They were evidently the much superior team between the both, but ended the match on the losing side. The boys were particularly disappointed at losing this match a win would have taken them directly to the Plate Finals, and given them a great chance to win some silverware. The team showed a lot of spirit and phases of great rugby on the field, which earned praise from the referee's and coaches from other teams. Unfortunately, the season ended with the team being deprived of any silverware, but is definitely much richer in experience, and promises to come back stronger next year in hope of a better showing.

The All India Cup Final was won by ARMY (Red) for the 5th time in a row. They beat Bombay Gymkhana in the final. The Plate final was won by TN Police who got the better of K.I.S.S in the final.

Details of London Trip

I visited London last month in an exchange programme of referees between IRFU and LSRFR (London Society of Rugby Football Referees). My stint there was very hectic but extremely fruitful. I had senior LSRFR assessors assessing my performance throughout the week, and I am also attaching their report through this mail. I was pretty satisfied with their report and therefore would like to share with you.

Briefly, I refereed three 15 a side games,one of which consisted of an university game at Surrey, which consisted of a few England and Wales national side hopefuls besides others. I also refereed the National 7's during the week which is considered the biggest 7's tournament in the world and was funded by HSBC. The tournament was played at Roselyn Park, which comprised of "34" Rugby Pitches and hosted 1200 matches over the week!!! It was absolutely phenomenal, and I ended up losing close to 3 kgs!!! Phew!!

During my trip we were taken through a tour of the Twickenham stadium, which is the home of Rugby, similar to what Lords is to cricket. I was completely thrilled to see the Calcutta Cup (presented by displayed in their Museum, and therefore took some pictures of the same, which I am attaching as well. You could therefore use the same in the edition of Ballygunge Bull for our members knowledge of the same.

Best Regards

Guneet