Academy XV Come Out on Top After Second Half Dismantling

In their latest fixture, the Royal Navy Rugby Union Academy XV faced Chichester Select XV, following an invitation from Admiral Paddy McAlpine, who had earlier hosted the Navy U23s. This match was highly anticipated, especially after Chichester's victory last year where only 1 point separated the sides.

The game was marked by numerous penalties, which made it challenging for the Navy to fully demonstrate the plays that they had practiced on the training field. Despite this, their hard work and commitment led to some impressive rugby full of continuity and go-forward.

Chichester opened the scoring with a penalty try, awarded after their driving maul was collapsed from the first line-out. The Navy responded quickly, with Lewis Sutton breaking through the midfield and offloading to Robbie Hume, who scored under the posts. Harry Mayes added the conversion.

The match continued with a series of scrappy plays and accumulating penalties. Chichester capitalised on a sublime cross-field kick, scoring in the corner to lead 12 - 7.

Trailing, the Navy increased their efforts. From a line-out just outside Chichester's 22, a well-executed set-piece move saw Sean dive into the corner, levelling the score at 12 apiece. The Navy's persistent attack tested Chichester's defence, with slick passing allowing Christan Postle to break through the line.

The Navy started the second half strongly, a significant hit caused a knock-on in Chichester's 22. This set the tone for the remainder of the match. Winning a scrum penalty, they kicked to the corner, and a powerful driving maul saw Alex O’Brien cross the line, with Mayes converting from the touchline.

Tensions rose, resulting in yellow cards for both teams, reducing them to 14 players each. The Navy's relentless pressure hurried the Chichester kicker; quick reactions from George Star led to a charge down and a try.

The match concluded with a Royal Navy 26 -17 Chichester. A well-earned victory for a talented squad keen to push their rugby CVs under the noses of the Senior XV TSG.

Academy XV: H Wright (C), ⁠A O’Brien, ⁠W Napier; ⁠C Dalkins, ⁠L Sutton; ⁠G Star, T McConnell, ⁠C Postle; ⁠R Hume, H Mayes (VC), ⁠S Hampson, ⁠V Delainukunawa, ⁠H Bateman, ⁠J Korobiau, ⁠J Brown.

⁠Replacements: S Naulivou, ⁠C Goldsmith, ⁠Z Johns, ⁠V Tuivadra, ⁠T Turke, ⁠M Coopey, M Fuata, I Bulicokocoko.

Words by L Cador

Images by K Woodland