RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

The Navy produced a classy display against a ginormous, physically strong British Police side, to make it two wins from two this season. Tries from Gobey, Matavesi, Rees, Priddey and Myers saw the Senior XV win comfortably, and grow in confidence ahead of this week’s crunch fixture against the Marine Nationale.

The first half saw both teams display their attacking intent with a total of 51 points scored. The Navy got off to a great start with Troy Gobey dotting down early, before ill-discipline gave the Police and opportunity to kick to the corner and their forwards to go over. This was a familiar pattern for the remainder of the half with the Navy playing some wonderful rugby and scoring try’s for fun, only for them to allow the Police back into the game through ill-discipline. The effectiveness of the Police’s pack will be a worry for John Court, as they outmuscled the Navy in a series of brutal driving mauls and pick and goes, leaving the first half score 33-19 to the Navy.

The second half was a complete contrast to the first with no score for 34 minutes. Importantly for the Navy, their discipline was much better and they neutralised the Police pack. This allowed them to control the half both in defence and attack. After 35 minutes the game snapped back into life with both sides scoring a try each before the final whistle, making the full time score 38-24.

“I’m really pleased with how we played and where we are going to into next week” said Dave Pascoe. “It’s exciting to see the squad coming together and producing two excellent performances”.

Discipline will be key going next into week, and the Navy can’t afford to cough up penalties so easily against the French. The British Police caused the Navy pack significant problems at times, but the squad will learn, come back stronger and be ready for the French on Wednesday in Plymouth.  

Team list:
1. Beasley*
2. Priddey*
3. Ives
4. Kirwin
5. Makepeace*
6. Pascoe*
7. Matavesi*
8. Johnson
9. Rees*
10. Loydall*
11. Gobey
12. Janes
13. Myers*
14. Dimmock-Williams*
15. Coy
16. Robinson*
17. Terry*
18. Wilman*
19. Boulton
20. Watson*
21. Spencer
22. Rees*
23. Carter

( * Royal Navy Cap)

Words: Oliver Mason
Images: Royal Navy Rugby Union © John Walton