RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

Champing at the bit to improve on last season, the Navy Mariners (over 35s) were eager to uphold a pre-Christmas fixture for the first time in a decade. Last season saw a genuine improvement in both fitness, cohesion, skill and performance. And it was that backdrop which secured a healthy representation from last season plus an additional four new players in the debut fixture against the Commons and Lords RFC at Hammersmith and Putney RFC. With the genuine prospect of regaining the Inter-Service crown for the first time since 2016, the squad is still keen to recruit at the highest level across the Royal Navy. So spread the word! The outgoing ADoR,  Jon Holroyd, was front and centre in what was arguably his testimonial. He also executed an amazing job in delivering a superb day against an incredibly influential opposition; BZ.  

 The Commons and Lords RFC is an inclusive club with members and players across all age groups. This inclusivity also promotes female and male joint participation across the age groups, and with that comes a set of rules designed to ensure a competitive fixture despite the opposition. The sort of rules included running no more than 15m with ball in hand, uncontested scrums and limitations on kicking. To the credit of the rules, and their excellent implementation by the official Stu Kilby, the fixture remained far tighter than the Mariners had anticipated. And a salutary lesson to be able to play simple rugby, execute a game plan and adapt to the circumstances.  

The game was broken into 4 quarters with the first quarter being touch. The Commons side included mixed representation of both males and females, and those less young! With some dynamic and energetic moves from both sides, the quarter ended 0-0.  

With full contact now in force, the ‘on paper’ strong Navy side took to the field. Both teams took time to get used to the unfamiliar format. The Mariners in particular struggled from not being allowed to play open running rugby and were disjointed. This is despite attempting a revised game plan of dominant forwards moves that would have played to the situation well. Eventually becoming accustomed to the laws, the Mariners took a 5-0 lead into half time lead with a well worked try out on the left from Col Campbell.  

A rolling-sub format let to a free-flowing second half. The 2 quarters were played in great spirit by both teams, and again, the rules kept things very close. The Mariners will be disappointed with their inability to pull away and put together multiple phases. But, the fact the squad has got together nearly 3 months earlier than usual is incredibly encouraging. At 10-10, due to a flat footed, the Mariners eventually found their flow and pulled away to a 22-10 victory. Tries came from Sadole, Hunt and Saberton, with the latter adding a conversion.  

The evening culminated in a charitable dinner onboard HQS WELLINGTON that raised a healthy contribution for the RNRMC, again as a result of Holroyd’s considerable efforts.  

The main message is that the Mariners are a serious outfit this season and an early return to competitive rugby bodes well for the season ahead. The Training Support Group are eager to have the headache of selecting new players, so please make yourselves available and contact Team Manager, Guy Pallet. 

Words by Aidan Riley

Images by Hannah Kent Photography and Royal Navy/ Guy Pallet