Blisteringly Good Despite the Cold Snap

On a blisteringly cold Wednesday evening, the Royal Navy Women’s development team faced Avonmouth in their third friendly game of the season. The Navy Women started strongly, with Josie Parnaby taking advantage of a lack of defence around the ruck and running under the posts to score the opening try.

As the Navy Women settled into the game, their structure proved too strong for Avonmouth. Quick hands down the line saw Sam Hill scoring out wide, with Hannah Parkinson converting to bring the score to 0 - 14.

A penalty conceded by the Navy allowed Avonmouth to take it quickly, and with great handling skills, they scored their first try out wide.

With uncontested scrums in force, the Navy Women were able to swap and change positions in the pack, allowing the coaches to experiment with positioning under less pressure.

Quick-thinking Josie Parnaby took full advantage of the gaps in the defence line throughout the game scoring her second try of the evening under the posts.

Two minutes later, the Navy extended their lead. They kept possession through several phases before Caitlin Render took the ball at pace and brushed aside the defence to score.

HT Avonmouth Ladies 5 – 24 Women’s Development XV.

In the second half, in blustery cold conditions, the Navy Ladies switched off, allowing Avonmouth to close the gap. The Navy kicked off, and Avonmouth came out with fire in their bellies. Quickly reaching the 22, with gaps appearing in the Navy’s defence, Avonmouth took advantage and scored their second try under the posts, with a successful conversion.

A high tackle from the Navy saw the home side kick to the corner. Avonmouth's maul proved too strong for the Navy Women, and with quick pick-and-goes, the home team scored their third try of the game, bringing the score to 19 - 24.

The Navy Women continued to build on their structure, putting many phases together. Picking the ball up from the back of a ruck, Jess Bryan found herself in open space with a certain try in sight. A last-ditch tackle attempt saw her knock the ball on over the try line.

The game entered the final 10 minutes with the scoreline very close. The Navy found a gap, and Hannah Underwood, showing her footwork, managed to score her first Navy try.

Avonmouth were not downhearted and continued to probe for openings. A last-ditch tackle attempt from Sam Hill saw her receive a yellow card, and the game finished with Avonmouth crossing the line.

Thank you to Avonmouth for being amazing hosts.

Final score: 24 – 31

Women’s Dev XV: R Staples, F Moore, K Bark; S Kelly, H Underwood; A Pearce, T Haywood*, J Bryan (C); J Paranaby, H Parkinson, O Cunningham, C Render, M Parsons, S Hill, F Mullett.

Replacements: M Law, T Tuvου, M Douglass, Emily Clack*

*New to Navy Rugby

Words by S Jenkins

Images by Cinnabar Studios