RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

The Royal Navy Rugby Union Women’s Development side produced an encouraging performance against an experienced Southampton team.

The Royal Navy Rugby Union Women’s Development side travelled to Southampton to play their third match of the season. With several players having only picked up a rugby ball for the first time during a training camp held at HMS Collingwood that day, this was an excellent opportunity to introduce a new generation of players to Rugby.

The game started with a fast-paced attack from Southampton, which the Navy Women were unable to defend against resulting in an early score of 5 - 0. Following the restart, the Navy took the game into the Southampton half and mounted a spirited attack against a strong Southampton defence. Southampton regained the upper hand and launched an attack yet the Navy mounted a robust defence of the try line. Southampton believed they had scored, however, the ball was deemed by the referee to have been held up. Southampton were able to score from the resultant scrum and following conversion the score was 12 - 0. Southampton managed to score two further tries before the Navy Women managed to turn over the ball. A fantastic run by Abi Ashby led to Teagan Morley scoring her first try for the Royal Navy. This was converted by Lily Adams and the first half ended 24 - 7.

Buoyed by their success in the closing stages of the first half, a rejuvenated Navy Women’s side began the second half with a fast attack. Southampton were able to force the Navy Women into touch and won the resultant line out. The Navy Women, very quickly turned over the ball, resulting in a second try which was again converted by Lily Adams. With the score 24 - 14, Southampton quickly scored from the restart to maintain a 17 point advantage against the Navy Women.  Southampton again launched a sustained attack, however the Navy Women took full advantage of a penalty due to a high tackle to kick for touch. Winning the resultant penalty, some excellent and quick passing of the ball resulted in a third converted try for the Navy Women.  Southampton were able to score two further tries throughout the game, however good skills were demonstrated by the Navy Women who were able to score yet another try as a result of a penalty.

The match ended 43 - 33. Although a defeat for the Royal Navy, it was pleasing to see the enthusiasm and talent that exists in the Women’s Development team. The next match for the Development team will be at 1900 on 12 Dec 18 at HMS Temeraire, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth when they welcome the Army Corps Women.  Supporters are welcome.

Team list: 1 Katie Ives, 2 Charlotte Lacy, 3 Lucy Honeybell, 4 Rowan Mason, 5 Jenny Walton, 6 Maria Laws, 7 Abi Reid, 8 Rosie Staples, 9 Lily Adams, 10 Abi Ashby, 11 Connie Joyce, 12 El Blythell, 14 Meg Shatel, 15 Teagan Morley, 16 Steph Coles

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