Navy referees took charge of the Army v RAF Inter Services on 20 April, the day saw three matches with the Veterans, Women and Senior XV all in action during the afternoon at the Aldershot Military Stadium. The matches are the pinnacle for officials in the Navy and it was a particular special day for 3 referees.
WO2 (Gaz) Fairbairn (HMS Trenchant) and WO1 (Geoff) Howells (HMS Dauntless) both gained their Senior Royal Navy Colours and were assistant referees in the Senior match while Lt (Jane) Pizii (FOST(S)) was the first woman to referee a Women's Inter Services match for which she was awarded her Lady's Colours. Cdre Rob Thompson (Chairman RNRU) who was attending the mat...
Following the end of their preparation with the match against RGC1404, at Parc Erias, Colwyn Bay on Wednesday, the Royal Navy team selected to play the Army is as follows:
1. NA Kyle Mason * (845 NAS, RNAS Yeovilton)
2. NA Ben Priddey * (RNAS Culdrose)
3. AB(WS) Marc Roberts * (HMS Bulwark)
4. Capt Stu McLaren RM * (DMOC Halton)
5. POAET Marsh Cormack * (854NAS, RNAS Culdrose)
6. MA Sam Laird * (HMS Collingwood)
7. Cpl Greg Barden * (HMNB Portsmouth)
8. Cpl Gaz Evans * (539ASRM)
9. POAET Dave Pascoe * (771NAS, RNAS Culdrose) (Capt)
10. CPOET (WE) Wayne John * (HMS Liverpool)
11. Mne Scott Llewellyn * (Cdo Logs RM)
12. ET (ME) Dale Sleeman * (HMS Cumber...
Navy Senior XV captain, POAET Dave Pascoe (771NAS, RNAS Culdrose) and vice captain, Cpl Greg Barden (HMNB Portsmouth) both contributed fully to the Barbarians success in the 84th Mobbs Memorial match. Dave had to work hard in the first half as the traditional Barbarian approach to rugby ensured that rugby activity was high, kicking rare and stoppages even rarer. For the Navy's scrum half it meant a huge work rate to get from one tackle to the next and ensure the match tempo was kept up. Greg's start at seven was slightly more subdued but as the game progressed, so did his influence, and mid way through the second half he deserved his try on debut. Both players are now b...
The Navy Senior XV play their final match before Twickenham when they once again travel to North Wales to play RGC1404, which now forms part of the Welsh Rugby Union's National Academy. Last year the match was one of the best of the season for the Navy in terms of match preparation as the Welsh side produced a high tempo game, full of invention and the power to back it up. This year the Navy will be seeking to overcome last season's sluggish start and exert a little more pressure from the start.
As the season draws to an end the Navy coaching staff is able to draw from almost their full squad for the first time this season. Fly half POET(WE) (Wayne) John (H...
The Barbarians Football Club is probably the world's most famous rugby club, famed for playing the game according to its founding principles. For over 120 years their famous hooped shirt has been worn by some of the world's greatest players, whilst some of their matches against the likes of the All Blacks are part of rugby folklore. For most Servicemen the annual Combined Services v Barbarians Remembrance Match forms the highlight of their playing career. However, for some their performances in this match leads to the coveted invitation to play for the 'BaaBaas' themselves.
On Tuesday night Navy Captain, POAET Dave Pascoe (771NAS, RNAS Culdrose) and Vice Captai...
