RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

The elder statesmen of the Royal Navy Rugby Union playing cadre, the Royal Navy Mariners, had their second (hastily re-arranged) match of the season. Gosport and Fareham RFC were the stand-in opponents as Northampton Police Service regrettably had to withdraw. 

Two unanswered and fast tries from Gosport and Fareham caught the slow starting Mariners on the back foot and at 12-0 things looked ominous for the Royal Navy. However from then on the Mariners started to gain ground and were beginning to exert their own pressure whilst implementing Coach Andy Vance’s game plan. This led to Colour Sergeant Val Valermi sneaking across the line with a pick and go to make the game 12-7.

The tempo of the second half continued to rise with both teams attacking with fervor but also defending well. Chief Petty Officer Ryan Cox was masterful at controlling the game from scrum half with the team captain Leading Hand Paul Saberton running lots of attacking and probing lines from full back. 

The match was a very competitive fixture, which the Mariners will be disappointed to have lost.  But there are many positives and areas to develop, however, for a second outing the Mariners should be rightfully proud of the performance and direction of travel.  There is a strong belief and camaraderie building already, with more players returning over the coming weeks, there is a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ about this squad. The Mariners will be excited for their next fixture against Devonport Services on 16th of February!

If you are still serving in the Royal Navy, interested in playing rugby, like the Army v Navy match, over 34(ish) and still able to tie your own bootlaces – come down and join the squad!