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A ‘Sweet’ Game of Rugby
On Valentine’s Day, many will buy chocolates, cards and candy for their loved ones. For Soldiers deployed with 3rd Battalion, 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion to Basrah, Iraq their Sweetheart’s day included a ‘sweet’ game of rugby.
The British troops and other military members stationed at Basrah played in a rugby tournament on Feb. 14.
“We wanted to show support with the coalition forces by submitting an American team,” said SFC Anthony Cervizzi, B Co., 3rd Battalion, 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion.
To get in the true spirit of the game, the seven man team included one player from the Royal Air Force.
“The American so nicely took me under their ‘little wing’ and said I could come and play rugby with them,” said CPL Matt Paul, Royal Air Force, “and I have had a thoroughly good time.”
The American team consisted of new players and seasoned rugby players. Regardless of the experience level, the team gave other teams a ‘run for their money.’
“I think they gained a lot of respect coming out here, most of the lads probably didn’t know there was going to be an American team,” said Cpl. Paul, “Probably when they seen there is an American team, they thought it would be a bit of a walk over, the guys certainly didn’t let that happen.”
The six Soldiers and one British troop played two games, but were unable to advance to the finals. Despite their losses, it didn’t hinder the spirit of the game.
“We did a great job, we lost both games, but the guys learned a lot of rugby. Some of those guys never played before,” said SFC Cervizzi.
The rugby tournament gave all participants a welcome break from demands of the daily grind.
“The daily routine gets monotonous, doing something like this was good exercise, there was good participation and maybe next time we can get more participation and win a few games.”
‘You can’t put a price on morale, it is absolutely essential,” said Cpl. Paul. “I personally have been in an office for four months with no windows and a bad day on the pitch is better than a good day in the office.”
SSG Lynette Hoke
Task Force 34 Public Affairs Journalist
20 Feb., 2009
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