Early Army Blitz Secures Victory Despite Navy’s Late Surge

The Army Development XV secured a hard-fought victory over the Navy Academy with a final score of 36 - 24. The Navy demonstrated what they were capable of in the second half as they fronted up to the Army in terms of physicality, fluid backs moves, and dogged determination.

First blood was drawn by the Army after just 10 minutes with a clearance kick return and a powerful drive from their heavy pack. The Navy Academy XV struggled to exit their half, with the Army's first and second carriers tiring the Navy's close-in defence. The Navy's upright tackling allowed the Army to gain significant ground and top give them a platform for their second score.

The Army's third try came from another hard-earned kick return. Quick to the breakdown, the Army spread the ball wide to score. Despite winning a rare scrum in the Army's 22, the Navy failed to capitalize on their possession and territory. Two mistakes later, the Army was back deep in the Navy's half.

With moments to play in the first half, the Navy began to find their footing. Coaches made strategic changes, and the Navy pulled one back with Jack Ryder finishing off a well-coordinated play involving Sean Hampson and Matt Hall.

The first half ended with the British Army leading 26 - 5.

The Navy enjoyed a strong period for much of the second half, but it was the Army who struck first, scoring from a close-in lineout. The Navy responded with three tries, harnessing their forwards' strength and effective lineout, and driving mauls. Hooker Alex O’Brien scored twice, and replacement lock Charlie Kerr added another try. Harry Mayes impressed with his kicking off the tee in challenging conditions.

In the final moments, the Army opted to convert a penalty, indicating their exhaustion from the Navy's relentless pressure in the latter stages.

Final Score: Army Development XV 36 - 24 Navy Academy

The match was a proof of the Army's early dominance and the Navy's resilience and fightback in the second half. Both teams displayed commendable daring-do and determination on a soft pitch, making for an exciting and memorable game.

Head Coach Declan Johnson said, “It was a great fixture with some spells of real quality displayed by both teams. A strong first half from the Army exploited a lack of physicality and line speed from the RN. The second half saw the tables turned and we began to control the game using our structure and shape coupled with some better 1 on 1 tackling and aggression through the contact area. This was a beneficial game which I hope will become a new staple within the Academy season and a great opportunity for players to be seen by the senior XV TSG who came along to watch.”

Navy Academy: W Napier, A O’Brien, D Gallon; C Dalkins, G Starr; J Copner, A Wakefield, C Postle; R Hume, H Mayes (C), S Hampson, H Bateman, H Johnson, J Ryder, M Hall.

Replacements: C Laubscher, C Kerr, L Sutton, P McMahon, W Were Diffu, T Turke, I Qalo, T Day, M Coopey, J Brown.

Words by J Campbell-Baldwin

Images by Cinnabar Studios