Navy Referees Preside Over RAF v Army
The RNRURS sent a strong team to Newbury RFC on Wednesday to cover the officiating duties for this years Inter-Services matches between the RAF and the Army. The society Chairman, Stew Kilby, led the team of four for the Ladies match which turned out to be a fairly one sided match with the Army putting 56 points past the RAF. The RAF girls had an ideal chance to get their first ever points against the Army, when Stew awarded a penalty well within their kicking capabilities, but unfortunately, the kick was scuffed and the RAF stayed at nil-points. Tim Bailey had the privilege of overseeing the Veterans match, which turned out to be the match of the day. The RAF Vultures looked strong at the start and managed a fantastic last fifteen minutes of strong defence to hold the Army at bay. This show of determination meant that they held on to be the victors by just one point over the Army. The final game of the day was the Senior XV fixture. A strongly contested game resulted in a few niggles that required Steve Harland and his Touch Judges, Andy Watts and Andy Coles, to be firm in dealing with the miscreants. That said, Steve used no cards in controlling the game and the match was entertaining and well played. The Army were too strong for the Air Force and ran out as clear winners at 42-6.