From Colonel Paul Buttery (Late Royal Engineers)

Commanding Officers / Telephone: 94391 7706 or 01264 381706
Facsimile: 94391 2019 or 01264 382019
DII: LF-DAPS-APS2-AD
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23rdJanuary 2012

ROYAL ENGINEER RUGBY LEAGUE (RERL) – 2012 SEASON

In my last letter I promised to provide an update on the 2012RERL season as soon as more was known. The Chairman (Major Chris Leonard) and his committee will provide more detail and liaise with units, but let me provide an outline.

The main highlights are:

  • Pre-Season Training Camp. This will be at Ripon (thanks to CO 21 Engr Regt) over 14-21 Mar 12 and is open to any player who aspires to represent the Corps; old and new players are welcome. This event is supported by the Corps’ own coaching staff and from Dewsbury Rams and will include 2 matches, one against Wetherby Bulldogs and the other against Dewsbury Rams.
  • Lawson Cup Matches. As you know RERL are the Army champions so defending the Lawson Cup is a major target for this season. The dates of the fixtures are:
  • Round 1 – 28 Mar 12 at Andover RUFC ground.
  • Round 2 – 9 May 12 – location tbc.
  • Round 3 – 30 May 12.
  • Round 4 – 4 Jul 12.
  • Final – 11 Jul 12.
  • CorpsRugby League. Another target for the 2012 season is to continue to promote Sapper Rugby League. This will be achieved by organising 2 inter-unit competitions: 13 a-side and 9 a-side.
  • The 13s RE inter-unit competitionwill be a one day event with a proposed date of 4 Apr 12.
  • The 9 a-side competition has still to be finalised as the RERL committee is hoping to secure the use of Headingly, which will be a great venue if it comes off! This will also coincide with the end of season dinner and presentation of Corps Colours.
  • Charity Match. RERL has been invited, as current Army champions, to play in a charity memorial game in Warrington on 30 Jun 12.

As well as the emphasis on the RERL team there is also a focus its officials. Each unit needs a qualified coach in order to play RL. Throughout 2012, and starting on 13 - 16 Mar 12, RERL is supporting a number of coaching and referee courses. Details can be found on the RERL website or through the Head Coach, WO2 (QMSI) Cowburn, Wyke Regis Training Camp.

As well as using RERL as an opportunity to play a physically demanding summer team sport, we have also introduced a code of conduct to promote good sportsmanship and improve the style in which players represent the Corps when playing home or away fixtures. It has been written by the players and builds on the Army’s Values and Standards. I will de-select players who fail to live up to our Code of Conduct. In the unlikely event that this happens your support would be appreciated.

And finally, a plea for new committee members. We are already looking for a new Secretary (Capt – WO rank) and we will be searching for a new Treasurer (Maj - Sgt) from the end of this season. Should you know of any interested people or have somebody in mind, please let me know as RERL success, in part, relies on continued volunteer support. Thank you for your continued support.

Copy:

EinC(A)

Comd 8 Force Engr Bde

Comdt RSME

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