RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

The Royal Navy Rugby Union Women got off to a fantastic start to 2019 with victory against Ellingham and Ringwood Ladies at the home of Royal Navy Sport.

The Royal Navy Rugby Union Women played their first match of the season against Ellingham and Ringwood at HMS Temeraire  on the 4G pitch.  26 players had attended the Rugby training camp held at HMS Collingwood, thereby providing the training team with many options for team selection.  

The game started with Ellingham and Ringwood Ladies launching a hard attack on the Royal Navy.  Some fantastic defending prevented the visitors from scoring.  Turning over the ball, the Royal Navy were able to quickly launch a counter attack, however, handling errors resulted in Ellingham and Ringwood breaking away and scoring their first try.   Following the restart Ellingham and Ringwood rapidly moved into the Royal Navy 22.  The Royal Navy conceded a penalty, which was quickly taken by the visitors, giving them a lead of 0 - 10. The Royal Navy swiftly regained control of the game with Teagan Morely scoring twice in 5 minutes and Sam Alderson successfully converting to ensure the Royal Navy led 14 - 10 at half time.

A determined Ellingham and Ringwood team started the second half by scoring twice and leading 14 - 22 with 44 minutes played. The Royal Navy recomposed themselves and having turned over the ball mounted a sustained attack.  Ellingham and Ringwood conceded two penalties and when the Royal Navy finally crossed the line, the ball was deemed to have been held up; following the resultant scrum, Royal Navy Rugby Union stalwart Sarah Jenkins produced a superb drive forward and the Royal Navy was able to finally score.  Sam Alderson again converted and the score was 21 - 22 and there was all to play for. The strength of the Royal Navy attack had an unnerving effect on Ellingham and Ringwood, which soon resulted in two more tries for the Royal Navy and the game ending 31 - 22.   

This match ably demonstrated the talent and enthusiasm of the Royal Navy Rugby Union Women. The team impressed spectators with their ability to recover and to work well when under pressure.  Their next match will be played against the British Police at RNAS Yeovilton on 6 Feb 19.  Kick-off is at 1900 so come along and support the team.

Words by: John Brennan
Images: Royal Navy Rugby Union © Keith Woodland

Team list:
1. Katie Ives
2. Hannah Cole
3. Lucy Honeybell
4. Abi Sondack
5. Emily Buchanan
6. Lauren Beale
7. Charlotte Fredrickson
8. Sammi Bannard (VC)
9. El Blithely
10. Sam Alderson
11. Olivia Critchley
12. Abi Ashby
13. Tegan Morley
14. Rachael Carragher
15. Rose Dixon (C)

16. Emily Park
17. Alex Green
18. Jenny Walton
19. Sarah Jenkins
20. Poppy Stilman
21. Mollie Stokes
22. Steph Armstrong