Navy Cup Round Up
Wednesday saw a fine display of grassroots rugby across the fleet with 3 outstanding Navy Cup Quarter Finals.
The first round saw HMS Sultan beat HMNB Collingwood 87-0, and HMS Heron beat HMS Collingwood 68-7. This teed up a mouth-watering round of quarter finals, and Wednesdays matches didn’t disappoint.
In the afternoon BRNC took on the defending champions HMS Seahawk in Dartmouth. The game was extremely tight with Seahawk closing out the match to win 30-29. The other afternoon kick off saw RAF Marham (Royal Navy), make the long trip from Norfolk to HMNB Clyde in a fixture that also produced fine performances from both teams. HMNB Clyde ground out the victory in a bruising encounter winning 31-25. In the evening kick off HMNB Devonport faced Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in what proved to be an absolute cracker. The score changed hands seven times in end to end, extra time nail biter. At half time the score was 17-14 to CTCRM, but Devonport showed incredible determination to level the score 24-24. In extra time Devonport showed their class and experience to win the game 39-24. The fourth quarter final will be played between HMS Sultan and HMS Heron on Wednesday 23rd October.
“Grassroots rugby is the back bone of Navy Rugby, and without it we wouldn’t have a Senior XV. It’s fantastic to see the units and establishments supporting the competition and giving our people the opportunity to play.” Said Andy Kellet, Chairman of Navy Rugby.
“I’m delighted to see many people playing the game, enjoying it, and producing a fantastic standard of rugby” Said Peter Williams, Navy Rugby Director of Community Rugby. “We have an excellent team who work tirelessly to promote the game across the fleet, and that produces these outstanding fixtures. I’m delighted with how the season has started.”
The semi-finals will see HMS Seahawk travel to HMNB Devonport and HMNB Clyde play the winner of HMS Sultan v HMS Heron. Those fixtures will take place on Wednesday 6th November.
Words: Oliver Mason
Images: Royal Navy Rugby Union © Mark Andrews