RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

In freezing cold conditions the Royal Navy Rugby Union Women continued their season with a win against Yeovil Ladies at Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton. Dominating the match from the beginning, the women won with an impressive score of 39 - 0.

From kick off the Navy Women were in an attacking position and held Yeovil in their 22. Despite conceding an early penalty, the Yeovil throw in was not straight and the Navy attacked from the resultant scrum. Forced into touch, the Navy ripped the ball from Yeovil and after a fantastic display of passing play Abi Ashby scored the first try of the match. From the restart, the Navy again mounted a strong attack and Abi Ashby scored a second try three minutes later to take the score to 10 - 0. Unfortunately the game was paused due to an injury, however, after the restart the Navy again controlled the game and an outstanding run by Oli Critchley combined with some fast passing play resulted in a third try and a lead of 15 - 0.

Yeovil mounted a strong counter attack, but their frustrations led to some ill discipline and the resultant penalty was quickly taken by the Navy who mounted another strong attack to overwhelm the Yeovil defence and score once again. A further try just before half time was converted by Sarah Jenkinson and the Navy led 27 - 0 at the break.

A reinvigorated Yeovil began the second half with a determined attack. However handling errors by Yeovil led to a knock on and from the scrum Abi Sondack made ground, with the resulting passing play leading to a further try, which was converted. Keeping their heads up Yeovil again mounted a dogged attack from the restart. A high tackle from the Navy led to a penalty this could be the chance for Yeovil to get some points on the board.  It was not to be - the Navy stole the ball at the line out and scored the final try of the match.

The injured player sustained a fractured ankle - we all wish her a speedy recovery, and hope to see her on the touchline later in the season and back to full fitness for next season.

This was a positive display from the Royal Navy Women against a regularly playing local side. The season continues for the Royal Navy Women with another match in Somerset on 28 Feb 18 against Bath Ladies Second Team. Kick off is at 1915.

Team list: Hannah Cole, Emily Park, Sam Bannard, Emily Buchanan, Abi Gilbertson, Yvonne Mealey, Abi Sondack, Helen Stevenson, Oli Critchley, Sarah Jenkins, Billi Staite, Cheryl Goodwin, Sam Alderson, Holly Till, Abi Ashby

Words by John Brennan
Images Royal Navy Rugby Union © John Walton