Local Sport

Vets take on Penguins

A rugby match between the Falklands Task Force Rugby XV and an invitation Penguin International RFC side to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict ended in an entertaining 33-33 draw on Saturday.

The match took place at Harlequins' home ground the Stoop, with a Task Force side made up of Falklands veterans and servicemen. The Penguins squad consisted of a selection of rugby stars from around the country, including Exeter Chiefs full-back Ben Breeze who has recently returned from injury. Exeter United’s Royal Navy officer Josh Drauniniu shone for the Task Force side by bagging a brace of tries.

Chiefs prop Dan Parkes had also been selected for the Task Forcers, but had to withdraw through injury. Parkes, who had spent time serving in the Falklands had a tough time adjusting to the precarious, dark, baron, waste-ground surroundings – when he returned to Devon. Parkes' injury means he will now miss the Chief's pre-season training ritual of tackling the Royal Marines assault course later this week. Oh well, every cloud...

Celebrations at the Stoop included the HM Royal Marines Band, the Queens Colour Squadron RAF Regiment, a fund raising dinner and a host of after dinner speakers. The only sour point of the evening came with the news that Margaret Thatcher is still alive.