Class from the Academy

The Academy XV stormed to a 46 – 15 victory over Havant RFC, dominating from the opening minute. Josaia Korobiau’s double and a strong defensive effort secured a 22 – 0 halftime lead. Havant fought back with two tries, but the Academy’s control and late scores sealed an impressive season opener.

With a new Coaching Team eager to prove the capabilities of their squad, the Academy XV opened their season in emphatic style with a commanding victory over Havant RFC at Burnaby Road, the home of Navy Rugby. Despite the late change of opposition, Havant RFC were able to put out a strong team and proved to be a worthy opponent.

The tone was set almost immediately as the Academy crossed the line in the opening minute, capitalising on early momentum before being forced into an extended defensive stand inside their own 22. Big tackles and a solid scrum at the 10-minute mark kept Havant at bay, and a turnover in the tackle relieved the growing pressure.

The Academy soon re-established territorial control, and after a well-defended maul in the Havant 22, Josaia Korobiau struck twice in quick succession—dotting down in the 17th and again in the 27th minute following a sharp midfield move. With the conversion added, the Academy moved to a deserved 17 – 0 lead. Another sustained spell of attacking pressure was rewarded with a 4th first-half try on 33 minutes, sending the side into the break, enjoying a comfortable buffer after a bruising, physical contest.

Early in the second half, Kinivillame Dakuliga carved through the defence from 22 metres out to extend the lead to 29–0. Havant responded five minutes later through hooker Wright, finishing from close range after sustained pressure. Rolling substitutions followed, and Academy No. 23 added a well-worked try wide out, pushing the score to 36–5.

A yellow card to the Academy’s fly-half on 55 minutes gave Havant a foothold, and they capitalised with a charge down try to narrow the gap to 36 – 10. But the Academy wrestled back control, and after a strong kick chase and sustained pressure, they crossed again on 70 minutes. Havant replied late, but the Academy had the final say as prop Alex Einchcomb powered over on 80 minutes to seal a convincing 46 – 15 win.

A successful start to their season, the Academy XV will be in good spirits going into the second game of the season, playing Marham Bulls RFC on 19th November at Havant RFC, KO 1300.

Academy: A Einchcomb, A O’Brien, C McKay; B Loga, H Michie; H Utton-Smith, T Bird; H Bateman; C Atwood H Mayes, J Korobiau, J Copner, J Davis, B Knight, A Parry.

Replacements: H Wright, D Scoot, K Baldry, K Dakuliga, B Delainukunawa, B Wade, M Watkins, B Weatherill, C Howitt.

Words by E Gaught

Images by K Woodland