RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

The Royal Navy Rugby Union Women secured a win against Swansea University Ladies at the St Helens Rugby and Cricket ground in a tense match which saw the visitors win 15 - 19.

The Navy Women attacked strongly from the start and spent the entire first 10 minutes of the match inside the Swansea 22, however, they were unable to break through a determined Swansea defensive line. At 25 minutes and against the run of play, Swansea achieved a fantastic break down the wing and scored the first try of the game. The restart saw a determined Navy once again dominate the Swansea 22. A deliberate knock on by Swansea denied the Navy a try, but earned Swansea a yellow card. Minutes later the Navy Women scored their first try which was converted by Sam Alderson. Determined to dominate a reduced Swansea side the Navy Women scored again on the 40 minute mark and the first half finished with the scoreboard showing 5 - 12.

Swansea began the second half with a dogged determination to score. Despite a strong Navy defence, Swansea scored at 54 minutes to bring the score to 10 - 12. Minutes later the Navy Women gave Swansea plenty of space and Swansea capitalised with a third try to bring the score to 15 - 12. As the game entered its final quarter, Hollie Parker came on for Yvonne Mealy and the Navy once again faced a robust attack. Further ill-discipline from Swansea led to a second yellow card. The Navy capitalised against a weakened Swansea and scored their third try, which was converted to give the Navy the victory. Player of the match was the Navy number 10, Sarah Jenkins, who had scored two of the three Navy tries.  Nic Elvidge scored the third.

This win continues a fantastic start to the season for the Royal Navy Women.  The next match is against the Marine Nationale Feminines in Toulon on 4 April 2018. The team then begin the Inter Services campaign against the RAF at The Twickenham Stoop on 20 April 2018 go to www.navyrugbyunion.co.uk for more details and to purchase tickets £10 each.

Team list:
1.     Emily Park
2.     Mollie Stokes
3.     Abi Sondack
4.     Yvonne Mealy
5.     Emily Howard
6.     Hannah Cole
7.     Abi Reid
8.     Helen Stevenson (VC)
9.     Holly Till
10.   Sarah Jenkins
11.   Billi Staite
12.   Nic Elvidge
13.   Kirsty Marlor
14.   Drew Powell
15.   Sam Alderson (C)
16.   Hollie Parker

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