Mariners' Early Errors Lead to Defeat against Academy

In a match marked by self-inflicted errors and missed opportunities, the Royal Navy Mariners fell to the Defence Academy with a final score of 31 - 21. The game, held at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, demonstrated the Mariners' attacking potential during a brief 20-minute surge, but ultimately highlighted their struggles against a mobile and disciplined Academy side.

The match began disastrously for the Mariners, with a poor clearance kick in their own 22 that was eagerly seized by the Academy. Several missed tackles later, the Academy was under the posts and 7 points up. The Mariners' troubles were compounded when Cadywould received a 10-minute sinbin, and the Academy capitalised with another converted try. The Mariners' frustration was evident as they backchatted the referee, resulting in a 10-metre penalty against them. By halftime, the Academy had scored another try, leading 19 - 0.

The second half saw the Mariners make significant changes, which had an immediate impact. Steve Hillman scored from a lineout, and Cadywould converted from out wide, sparking a sense of belief in the team. The Mariners applied pressure in the right areas, and a right flank bereft of defenders allowed Hart to provide a deft offload to Ratu Rodelana, bringing the Navy back into the game at 19 - 14.

However, the Academy regrouped and, after a dramatic course correction led by their leaders, scored two quick tries, extending their lead to an unassailable margin. With the score at 31 - 14, the Mariners continued to fight. Duncs Fraser came on at 9, speeding up ball delivery to the backs and causing a nuisance for the Academy's defence. This created an opportunity for Jim Hannon to score again from a lineout, with Cadywould adding the extras.

Despite the late try, the Mariners couldn't close the gap, and the match ended with the Defence Academy securing a well-deserved 31 - 21 victory. The game highlighted the Mariners' potential during their purple patch and a consolation try at the end, but they were ultimately outplayed by a more cohesive and disciplined Academy side.

"It was a difficult evening," said returning skipper Lloyd John, "in even worse conditions in what is usually a banana skin fixture for the Mariners. We found ourselves behind early due to our fundamental skill sets not being where they needed to be and we never really kicked into gear until the second half. Positive changes at half time, brought the impact we asked for and will create some headaches for the TSG moving forward. We will reconsolidate in 2 weeks time and work on the lessons learnt on what was a physical encounter as we continue our preparations to defend IS."

The Mariners next fixture is a toughie against the GB Fire Service. It takes place on 12 Mar at USSG, KO 1900.

Mariners: S Winfield, A John, P Price; N Copeland, P Kewn; L John (C), C Carr, C Hart; M Plant, R Cadywould, S Mahony, D Waryck (VC), R Hall, R Rodelana, C Campbell.

Replacements: C Otway, P Manning, J Hannon, S Hillman, I Scovell, D Fraser, A McCrohan

Words by J Campbell-Baldwin

Images by Cinnabar Studios