Navy Refs For RAF v Army
The Navy Referees have selected a very experienced (in all senses - ed!) squad of officials for the three RAF v Army Inter Service matches to be held at Newbury RFC on Wednesday 19 April. Chairman of Referees, Stew Kilby, will be refereeing the Women's match supported by Piers Moore and Andy Nelson as Touch Judges. It will be Stew's first Inter Service match in the middle and is acknowledgement of a very successful season both in Service games and for his civilian society Dorset and Wilts. To take charge of the Veterans match and manage their, at times, over exuberance the RNRURS have appointed the very experienced Paul Burton. Paul has enjoyed a successful season combining refereeing with National Touch Judging commitments and has officiated at a number of Inter Service matches at all levels. He is supported by former Society Chairman Andy Watts and Stu Clarke as Touch Judges. Andy is another Navy referee who has enjoyed a successful season as a National Panel TJ. For this game Andy Nelson and Piers Moore will be managing the technical areas and replacements and ensuring that the RAF Vultures do not use more than seven replacements! Finally the senior match will be refereed by Geraint Ashton Jones who will be supported by National Panel TJ Tim Bailey and Rich Whelan who will be winning his Society Colours for officiating at his first senior Inter Service match. As with the award of any colours this is a great honour and is proper recognition for the standard of refereeing that Rich is regularly producing. Commenting on the appointments Chairman Stew Kilby said "Again it is very pleasing that the Navy Referees are able to appoint four officials with National experience to the three fixtures. Their experience allows the Society to continue its development policy and integrate newer referees, myself included, at such a prestigious event whilst still ensuring the highest standards of officiating are maintained. I am particularly pleased that Piers Moore's contribution to Navy refereeing has been recognised. Piers has been a stalwart over a number of seasons at Unit level and ultimately it is referees like him who ensure that the Ships and Establishments can play regular rugby."