Babcock Royal Navy 7s Competition - 2012
This year's Babcock Royal Navy 7s competition saw 15 teams from Navy gathering at Ivel Barbarians RFC on Wed 27thJune. Hosts Ivel Barbarians Rugby Football Club had pulled out all the stops in order to make sure this competition had the support expected of such a prestigious competition. The location of Ivel also reduced the travelling distance due its geographical location almost half way between Portsmouth and Plymouth.
The competition comprised 3 leagues with the top 3 teams from each league going through to the ‘Knock Out' stages.
It was clear from the outset that the teams meant business. Many had a game plan, some clearly did not! However, what can be said of each team taking part was that the attacks were direct and defences were solid, which set the scene for a great day's rugby.
The competitive rivalry between teams was very evident and this kept competition medic MA (Jim) Lamont (HMNB Portsmouth) busy as he offered assistance and repair to many of the teams.
The success of any competition relies upon the Match Officials, not only to keep the games flowing, but also to remind players of some new laws and on occasion, some laws that have been in place for a while! This was more than ably provided by the RNRU Referees Society that also kept the event organiser RNRDO CPO (Ady) Cherrington updated with the results. It soon became obvious that this year's competition was going to be a close-run thing.
The top 3 teams from each league that went through to the Knock Out stage saw a healthy mix from both sides of the country and Commands.
League 1 League 2 League 3
CTCRM HMS HERON HMS SEAHAWK ‘A'
HMS OCEAN 30 CDO RM DEVONPORT SERVICES
HMNB DEVONPORT HMS SULTAN CDO LOGS REGT 'A'
The teams successfully through to the next round had played 4 matches and there were some tired legs, bruised and battered bodies. However, this did not lessen the passion and commitment that was on display throughout.
One unexpected result was HMS Ocean beating HMS Heron in the quarter final 17 -10. Unfortunately, HMS Ocean could not maintain that success, losing out in their semi final to HMS Seahawk, 28-12.
The final, contesting for the HMS APOLLO Trophy (RNRU 7s trophy) was to be a true South West (Devon v Cornwall) affair between 30 Cdo RM and HMS Seahawk. This proved to be an outstanding match taking into account the 10 mins each way and how much rugby had already been played by both teams. HMS Seahawk ran out eventual winners by the margin of a single try. Final score: 28-21.
This is the 4th year in a row that HMS Seahawk has placed its name on the ‘HMS APOLLO' trophy, which this year was presented to them by Captain Chris Alcock RN, Chairman of Royal Navy Rugby.
The RNRU Chairman also awarded the Combined Services Rugby Referee and Match Official of the Year 2011-2012 to Mr Simon Aldridge.
Capt Alcock said of the competition ‘Well deserved congratulations go to all players, match officials and supporters for ensuring this competition was an outstanding success. Our thanks go to the teams that entered this year to make it so competitive, the assistance from RNRU Referees' Society and support from the Units and Bases is also greatly appreciated'.