Navy Play Their Joker, Salisbury Shuffles Pack
Kate Parkman is the only survivor from the front row that started against the RAF as the Navy makes changes to the pack
Amy Risker, the Royal Navy Women’s most effervescent character has been selected ahead of Emily Park at hooker for tomorrow’s match against the Army. Amy is one of four changes Head Coach Dominic Salisbury has made to the Navy pack with Aimee Sadler, Alice Kightley and Paula Bennett-Smith all starting. The three quarter line remains unchanged from the side that defeated the Royal Air Force Women 17 – 6.
Amy Risker serious about her rugby but plays the game with a smile on her face
Often considered the joker within the squad it is Amy Risker’s fierce competitive nature that has seen her force her way into the starting XV. Her performances all season from the bench has kept the pressure on ‘Peanut’ Park and she deserves her chance. She is joined in the front row by Inter Services debutant Aimee Sadler and the continually improving Kate Parkman. Emily Park and Pam Williams-Wilson provide the experience on the bench that will be needed against the Army’s heavyweight front row.
Paula Bennett-Smith’s current form has forced her back into the starting XV
Alice Kightley’s inclusion alongside Caroline Penrose in the second row allows Stacey Hargrave to move to blindside flanker. She is joined in the backrow by Charlie Fredrickson and Paula Bennett-Smith who are both making their 17th Inter Service appearances. An experienced back five who will need to be at the top of their game for the full 80 minutes on Saturday morning. Combined Services player, Helen Stevenson, is joined by Sarah Mitchell as the back five cover on the replacements bench.
Sarah Jenkins and Olly Critchley continue at half back for the RN Women
The Royal Navy Women’s back line and three quarter replacements are unchanged from the match against the Royal Air Force. The half back pairing of captain, Sarah Jenkins, playing outside Olly Critchley continues and outside them the Morton twins are once more together in the centre.
‘Chess’ Morton renews her centre partnership with twin sister Loz.
In the back three Sam Alderson, Emma Swinton and the powerful running of Feisha Greene will hope to get some front foot possession to challenge the Army’s defence. On the bench Melissa Landman again provides cover at half back, with Lizzie Grant and the tenacious tackling Nikki Elvidge covering the outside backs.
More strong running will be required from Feisha Greene on the right wing.
The full Royal Navy Women team is as follows;
| Position | Name & Rank | Unit |
| 1 | Lt Aimee Sadler | HMS Portland |
| 2 | MA Amy Risker | Southwick park |
| 3 | LMA Kate Parkman | HMS Sultan |
| 4 | NA(AH) Caroline Penrose | HMS Ocean |
| 5 | NN(S) Alice Kightley | Defence School of Health Service Education, Birmingham. |
| 6 | AB Stacey Hargrave | HMS Richmond |
| 7 | LT Charlotte Fredrickson | COMUKTG |
| 8 | Lt Paula Bennett-Smith | Navy Command |
| 9 | Mid Olly Critchley | DTUS Trojan Squadron |
| 10 | PO Sarah Jenkins (Capt) | HMS Collingwood/ HMS Kent |
| 11 | PO Emma Swinton | RNDPD&MC/ HMS Dragon |
| 12 | LWTR Loz Morton | T45 Pool/ HMS Dragon |
| 13 | NA(SE) Chess Morton | RNAS Culdrose |
| 14 | LLOGS Fiesha Greene | HMS Illustrious |
| 15 | AB Sam Alderson | HMS Scott |
| 16 | LAC Emily Park | HMS Collingwood |
| 17 | PO Pam Williams-Wilson | 702 Sqn, RNAS Yeovilton |
| 18 | LET(WE) Sarah Mitchell | HMS Northumberland |
| 19 | Lt Helen Stevenson | HMS Collingwood |
| 20 | AB Melissa Landman | HMS Illustrious |
| 21 | Lt Lizzie Grant | RNP SIB(W) |
| 22 | MA Nikki Elvidge | HMS Collingwood |
Images by Alligin Photography / © Geraint Ashton Jones, © Lee Crabb, © John Walton
