French Finesse Prevails

Royal Navy Senior women faced a tough defeat against French Marine Nationale in the annual Le Crunch fixture at Havant RFC. The visiting French side’s dominance led to a 53 - 5 victory with nine tries. Jess Bryan scored the Navy's only try. Despite a hardy defence, the Navy couldn't contain the French attack. The loss poses a challenge as the team prepares for the 2025 Inter Service championship.

Despite their best efforts, the women's team struggled to contain the French attack with Jess Bryan managing to score the Navy's sole try midway through the first half from a driving maul. The defeat is a setback as they prepare for their fixtures against the RAF at the cinch Stadium at Franklins Gardens and the Army at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The match saw Manon Leduc scoring the opening try for the French team after breaking through the Navy's defence exploited by a quick pass by Morgane Garo. Although Mélissa Bergeron missed the conversion, the French extended their lead to 12 - 0 with Florianne Froger crossing the try line, this time successfully converting the kick.

The French team continued their dominance in the first half, adding more points despite a commendable tackle by Jasmine Abel near the try line – one for her personal highlights reel. Zoe Sage scored another try, which went unconverted, bringing the score to 17 - 0.

A high tackle resulted in Leicester Tigers and Navy player Rowann Sinclair being sent to the sin bin, but the team showed resilience in her absence. Bryan's try, following a well-executed Navy line out in the corner, provided a moment of success for the Navy.

However, the French team responded swiftly, scoring two more tries before halftime through Bergeron and their skipper Clémence Rypen, leading 29 - 5 at the break.

In the second half, the Navy worked hard to create opportunities and disrupt the French attack, but the agile French wingers found ways to breach their defence either coming inside on a hard line or outside the last defender. Inès Cotsis, Florianne Froger's second try, Assia Lesaulnier, and Charlotte Barralon added to the French team's impressive scoreline.

It was a hard day at the office, but the Navy players stuck to their task defending with grim determination. Congratulations to those listed below on winning their first caps.

The Senior Women take on the RAF at cinch Stadium at Franklin Gardens on 19 Apr, KO 1300.

Tickets: Click here to purchase direct from the Northampton Saints website

Senior Women: A Baker, R Addis, L Honeybell; E Brightwell⁠*, Y Mealy; L Swain, R Sinclair, ⁠J Bryan; J Parnaby, R Dixon (C), E Hart*, M Douglass*, S Mclaughlin, A Ashby, J Abel.

Replacements: ⁠R Staples (VC), J Shaw, T Haywood*, K Bark*, F Mullett*, H Parkinson*, J Banks*, S Hill*.

* Denotes new cap.

Words by J Campbell-Baldwin

Images by Cinnabar Studios