RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

In only their 3rd tournament since the formation of their team, the Royal Navy Rugby Union Women's 7s team, the Royal Navy Makos, finished runners up in the Spinnaker 7s competition held at Havant Rugby Football Club last weekend.  With a few new players joining their ranks, and a number of familiar faces, all the women were up for a full-on day of 7s rugby.

The day started brightly and in their first match the Royal Navy Makos took on and defeated the Scotty's Little Soliders B team, winning 27 - 15.  However, their sister side, the Scotty's A team were determined to make a stand, and avenged the earlier defeat by beating the Royal Navy Makos 19 - 0.  In their third game the Royal Navy Makos squared up to the Mo Sistas.  They won this game 17 - 10 to chalk up their second victory of the day. 

As the afternoon wore on the Royal Navy Makos came face to face with their RAF Police counterparts - team name 'The Flying Pigs'!  Going from strength to strength, the Senior Service triumphed, beating the Light Blues 29 - 5.  The final group match of the afternoon was against the Honey Badgers.  Having had plenty of practice as a team they won 29 - 5.  A fourth win from five for the Royal Navy Makos and a place in the final beckoned.

Up against the Scotty's A team, who had beaten them earlier in the day, the Royal Navy Makos knew they were under pressure but with their confidence and experience growing by the game they went into the final with their heads held high, determined to put in their best performance.  The play was fast and furious and the final score a disappointing 0 - 20.  However coach for the day, Royal Navy Rugby Union Senior XV player Jarrard Hayler said "They did really well with lots of positive rugby leading to 4 wins from 5 in the pool stages and then losing out in the final to Scotty's Little Soldiers who had great strength in depth in the cup final.  All in all, a good day for the Royal Navy Makos." 

Overall it was a fabulous day of rugby 7s and a great day out for everyone who took part.  Many thanks to Havant RFC for hosting such an excellent event.

The Royal Navy Makos Team List: Sarah Jenkins, Oli Critchley, Nicola Elvidge, Abi Gilbertson, Laura Blagden, Victoria Horsfield, Hannah Kemish, Sarah Butler, Jordan Lench, Petrina Stone, Phillippa Wilson

Images Royal Navy Rugby Union © John Walton