3 from 3 as the RNRU(W) continue their winning streak by beating Portsmouth RFC Ladies 27-10
Omne trium perfectum (everything that comes in threes is perfect) certainly rang true on a cold and still evening on Wed 24 Feb at HMS COLLINGWOOD as the RN(W) made it a hat-trick of wins this season. Earlier worries about Portsmouth Ladies struggling to field a team were put aside as the RN(W) went through their preparations to face what resulted in a strong Portsmouth Ladies squad. Some recognisable faces from the Army and UK Armed Forces rugby squads took to the field in Portsmouth colours, but this did not affect the focus and determination of the RN(W) and it was game on as ...
Though they only managed six tries, and not the seven in the previous two games, this was in many ways the Royal Navy’s best performance of the 2016 Inter Service campaign, against a committed Oxford University team. A high tempo first half was rewarded with four well taken tries in the back line. However, as Oxford University rallied at the end of the half and controlled much of the second period, the Royal Navy showed that they had the resilience in defence to absorb pressure whilst still being alert for the counter punch. On the back foot for much of the half they still out scored the University by two tries to nil and will be well satisfied with their 34...
The Royal Navy Mariners won a high tempo game strewn with errors against Havant RFC Veterans, 26-14. Taking a lead into half time, the Mariners were surprised and a touch alarmed by a rejuvenated Havant fifteen who produced a much improved second half.
During the afternoon training session and in the changing room before the game, Head Coach, Taff Williams and Team Captain, Guy Pallet explained the game plan: don’t play to Havant’s strengths! Don’t try to match them up front; run the phases and spin the ball wide making best use of the solid 3G surface to run them ragged. At times this happened. At times, not so much.
Quickly on the front foot Havant dominated pos...
Ben Priddey is only the second non commissioned captain of the Royal Navy who plays hooker. The first? Master at Arms William ‘Bill’ Luddington holds the distinction of being the first rating to be invited to captain the Royal Navy Rugby Union, a rare achievement in its day. The goal kicking hooker, who went on to win 13 international caps for England, left a lasting legacy to Navy Rugby and is remembered fondly at Devonport Services, where at the Rectory they unveiled the Luddington Memorial Stand in his honour. Travelling with Oxford University’s committee for Wednesday’s game will be Richard Luddington, Bill’s grandson, himself a t...
From the ancient Egyptians, through Greek and Chinese science to modern day mathematicians, the number seven has always held exalted status as a special number, the symbol of perfection. For the Royal Navy it is now two matches, two successive comprehensive wins and seven tries on both occasions. And though no-one would say that either performance was ‘perfection’ both against Cambridge University and again last night, against Esher Cardinals, the Royal Navy have produced performances that have caught the eye. Their 46-5 win over Esher Cardinals was disciplined with few errors. It was built on solid defence and a high work rate and the ability to...
