Fireworks at the Rectory

The Royal Navy U23s dominated Devonport Services RFC combination side 50 - 14 in their final warm-up with strong teamwork and several standout individual performances. They now have their IS25 opener against the RAF on 12 November firmly in their sights.

The Royal Navy U23s rounded off their preparations for this year’s Inter-Services Championship with an emphatic victory over Devonport Services. Despite challenging conditions, with wind and rain making play difficult, there were moments of clearer weather that allowed for some entertaining rugby.

The Navy set the tone early, with Utton-Smith breaking through the midfield and sprinting in from 30 metres to score the opening try. George Edson successfully added the conversion; the Navy quickly built on their momentum. Captain Freddy Elliott made a powerful carry deep into the Devonport 22, paving the way for another try, which Edson again converted. With their confidence growing, the Navy continued to dominate. Quick handling and slick ball movement from the backline created space for outside centre Lucas Leeman, who shrugged off several tacklers to score the team’s third try. Another successful conversion from Edson extended the lead to 21 - 0.

The Navy forwards began to assert their dominance, providing a solid platform for the backline to exploit. With Bailey orchestrating play at scrumhalf and Edson pulling the strings at fly-half, the team created numerous scoring opportunities. Edson added two more tries to his tally, while winger Charlie Over impressed with a brace of his own, including a well-executed score from a cross-field kick. By the final whistle, the Royal Navy had secured a comprehensive 50 - 14 victory.

This performance served as an excellent tune-up ahead of the crucial clash against the RAF on 12 November. The team showcased their ability to play fast, free-flowing rugby, even in adverse conditions, and the coaching staff will have been pleased with the impact made by the players coming off the bench.

Sam Benzie, the one-man TSG said, “…overall the boys showed the kind of rugby that can be played in torrid conditions, [which] really gave us a few good insights as to multiple player combinations we can play and the boys showed us their ability to adapt and change to what’s put in front of them for the benefit of the shirt.”

The squad now heads to Portsmouth for a training camp before travelling to Stourbridge RFC for the opening match of IS25. GO NAVY!

Navy Rugby MoTM: Right wing, Charlie Over. Two tries on the night, he worked tirelessly in defence to make several covering tackles and his impact in attack capped off a significant all-round performance.

Navy U23s: J Arrowsmith, ⁠L Evans, ⁠F Walls; ⁠J Devereux, ⁠H Utton-Smith; ⁠A Greenland, ⁠M Betteridge,  ⁠F Harvey; ⁠E Bailey, ⁠G Edson, ⁠J Cross, ⁠G Pooley, ⁠L Leeman, ⁠C Over, ⁠Freddy Elliott (C).

Replacements: B Chaston, ⁠H Bateman, ⁠C Hancock, ⁠A O’Brien, ⁠C Attwood, ⁠H Mayes, ⁠J Davis.

Words by Matt Bowden