By WO Nic Wilkin, Secretary Naval Air Command Rugby With all the weeks of planning behind us and thanks to the generosity of sponsors Thales, Agusta Westlands, Serco and Sodexho, the Naval Air Command recently hosted the reciprocal visit by LV Marc Battet and his Maritime Atlantique team. At 13:30 the Women 7’s kicked off. The less experienced French team were eager to prove themselves by upsetting the flow of the stronger team from the RNRU(W). Though they were successful early on eventually experienced showed and Captain Paula Bennett-Smith (FOST) led her side to a comfortable 40 – 0 win. All commended the French Women on their grit and determination and are sure that they ...
By WO Nic Wilkin Having witnessed Devonport Command undo the efforts of Portsmouth Command in true West Country wintry showery weather, it was the turn once more of the NAC to play the RM, though this time to retain the cup. Portsmouth put up a fair fight against a strengthening Devonport side who eventually ran home with a 30 - 12 point victory. The skies darkened as the clouds loomed overhead and the showers turned to constant drizzle as daylight ebbed prior to the two teams appearing. A slippery and greasy pitch greeted them as they exited the changing rooms, putting a different slant on the style of the NAC's previous matches in the run up to this 'clash of the titans'. A confident, ...
Dave Pascoe (RFA Victoria) was joined by five other Navy players as he led Combined Services to a thrilling victory over the Barbarians at a damp Brickfields. The victory by 27 - 24 avenges last seasons 31 - 25 reverse in the annual Royal British Legion Memorial Match, sponsored by Atkins. All six of the Navy contingent had strong games. Matt Parker (CTCRM) again demonstrated his versatility by being able to play anywhere in the backrow. It was his work on the ground that allowed CS to work their way back in to the game after the Barbarians had dominated the early contest for possession. Marsh Cormack (RNAS Yeovilton) was also instrumental in providing the platform from which the Combine...
