Navy Rugby Endures Tough Season Opener in Bristol

A commanding performance by Bristol University’s 1st XV saw them cruise to a 55 - 0 victory over the Royal Navy U23s in a pre-season friendly at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex. In front of a large and lively student crowd, Bristol demonstrated their greater cohesion and fitness as they prepare for their upcoming BUCS Rugby season.

The Royal Navy U23s, captained by Alex Einchcomb and coached by Ben Priddey, came into the game after just three days together as a squad. Despite the short preparation time, the Navy showed tremendous determination particularly in defence, but ultimately struggled to contain Bristol’s creativity and fluid attacking play.

Bristol set the tone early with relentless pressure and quick ball movement, resulting in their first try within the opening five minutes followed by a second sucker-punch as the Navy failed to guard the break down. The Navy’s defence, while resilient in phases, was continually stretched by Bristol’s quick offloads and width in attack. The students scored multiple tries in the first half, capitalising on gaps in the Navy’s defensive line and hinting at the attacking potential that could make them a force in BUCS Rugby this season.

The Royal Navy U23s battled valiantly, with the captain leading by example, putting in crucial tackles, shoring up the scrum and rallying his teammates. However, the Navy struggled to get a foothold in the game and found themselves on the back foot for much of the match. Line breaks when launched were spectacular but they were few and far between, as Bristol’s defensive organisation held firm.

Bristol’s backline was in fine form, running in several well-worked tries. Their forwards also did enough to spoil Navy ball at the breakdown, each time being canny enough to avoid the sanction of international referee Tom Foley. As the game wore on, the Navy’s lack of time together became more apparent, with their structure fraying under constant pressure from the home side. In contrast their line out and resultant driving maul stood out as a huge positive particularly considering the short time together. Hooker Evans was accurate and Hawkshaw and Horne were strong in the air.

Despite the heavy scoreline, the Navy showed glimpses of potential, with a few positive attacking phases in the second half. Elliott at fullback was keen to counter from broken field and Brown and Davis look a useful centre pairing. However, Bristol’s try line remained impenetrable, and the Navy were unable to register any points on the scoreboard.

After the match, Ben Priddey praised his side's resilience but acknowledged the challenge posed by a well-drilled Bristol outfit. " It was good to get the boys together for the first time and have a good couple of days of training. The Bristol fixture is always a tough one, with them 6 weeks into training and excited to get into their season. We managed to look at a lot of new boys, test out some combinations and now in a better place to build for the next fixture vs. Portsmouth Uni."

The Royal Navy u23s next fixture is against Portsmouth University at Burnaby Road, 2 October, KO 1900.

U23s: S Brittle, L Evans, A Einchcomb (C); R Hawkshaw, T Horne; M Fullwell, W Needham, T Ashton; C Atwell (VC), G Edson, L warren, H Brown, J Davis, J Perry, F Elliott (VC).

Replacements: C Davis, H Frisswell, B Smith, C Collins, R Owen, N Anderson.

Words by J Campbell-Baldwin

Images by Cinnabar Studio