Navy Refs Recognised
Royal Navy Rugby Union Referees gathered in Portsmouth to mark the end of a highly successful Season and recognise some of their key achievers. At a dinner attended by over 100 RN referees and guests they heard the RFU President Bob Rogers praise the work done by referees in supporting the grass roots of the game. Commander Roger Baileff was rewarded for his achievements in the Guinness Premiership with both the RN Referee of the Season and the highly coveted Combined Services trophy. Roger, the hard-working Society Treasurer is a Level 6 RFU official and also a National Panel Touch Judge, who has officiated at all Premiership grounds this year, as well as European Cup games and World Cup qualifiers. Also recognised as the Newcomer of the Season was Lieutenant Commander Duncan McClement, Commander Stewart Kilby, who won his Navy Colours when he officiated in the Army versus RAF Senior Match and Warrant Officer Rich Wheelan for promotion to Level 5. However, it was the bulk of the Society who turn out week-in week-out regardless of weather in support of unit level Service rugby who drew the praise from both Mr Rogers and Stewart Kilby, the Society Chairman. The RN Referees’ Society provides officials for all levels of Service rugby, and most of the members ply their trade for Civilian RFU Societies at weekends in both adult and youth and matches. The next entry-level course is being run by CPO Paul Burton (0117 9136553) in HMS Temeraire on September 17th,18th and 19th. Anyone with a love of the game is more than welcome to attend, please contact Paul for further details. (Photograph shows CS and RN Referee of the Season Roger Baileff receiving his trophies from the Guest of Honour, RFU President Bob Rogers).