Five Tries and a Clean Sheet

The Royal Navy Women’s Development XV produced a dominant display to claim a 31 – 0 victory over Plymouth Academicals demonstrating strong attacking play and solid defensive work throughout the match.

The Navy got off to a flying start with winger Flo Mullet crossing the line for the opening try, which Moira Douglass calmly converted to make it 7 – 0. The team’s defensive effort was strong early on, with Sky Burgos putting in two massive tackles forcing a knock-on allowing Hannah Smart space to make a confident run from full-back.

At the 22-minute mark, Mullet struck again, scoring her second try, once more converted by Douglass to extend the lead to 14 – 0. The Academicals responded with some pressure, forcing a turnover around the 25-minute mark, but their attack faltered after not being able to break down the Navy’s defence.

Sophie West powered over for a try ten minutes into the second half, extending the lead to 19 – 0.

A strong run from Libby Fox kept the momentum going, offloading to Molly Tellis, who made a great carry up to halfway.

At 70 minutes, Libby Fox's attacking persistence paid off as she dotted down for another try, stretching the lead to 24 – 0. Minutes after coming onto the pitch, Jasmine Abel added another score, which Douglass converted to make the final score 31 – 0.

Head coach James Pilbeam said, “I’m proud of the team today. The forwards controlled the middle of the pitch brilliantly, setting a strong platform for us to play with width and confidence. That structure allowed our backs to express themselves and really stretch the defence. Brilliant to see many new faces putting on an RN shirt and making an impact. It was a great few days in Plymouth, where the effort and commitment that everyone has shown in training is paying off.”

RNRU: R Marley (VC), R Addis, K Bark; L Pringle, D Leonard; M Bryce, L Fox, S Burgos; Georgia Adams, Phillipa Griffiths, F Mullet, M Douglass, J Parnaby (C), S West, H Smart.

Replacements: A Pedrick, J Farina, S Davies, E Lipsett, J Ogendo, L Wilkie, E Park, J Abel, J Spike.

Words by Billi Staite