Navy’s Title Hopes Dashed despite an Impressive Win against the Army

The Royal Navy under-23s were certainly in a war, narrowly beating the British Army by 16 - 14 in the second clash of the Inter Service Under-23s Championships at United Services Sports Ground, Portsmouth.

A try-less first half in front of healthy crowd saw the Senior Service lead by only three points come half time after a penalty conversion by fly-half George Edson.

The tries came in the second half with the Navy scoring first after tighthead prop Jack Devereux forced his way over the whitewash, with Edson adding the conversion for the full seven points.

The Army then staged a comeback with two tries from Woody Facey and Rowynn Turner, with Mo Waqanidrola adding the conversions.

But it was the Navy's kicking game that made the difference, with two more penalty kicks in the second half, each taken by Edson, that edged the Senior Service ahead of the Army come full-time.

Following the difficult 42 - 14 defeat to the Royal Air Force in Stourbridge last week, the Navy U23s and defending champions end their Inter Service campaign on a high note, although their hopes of retaining their title are slim thanks to the RAF's commanding victory in the opening match in Stourbridge.

Senior player and Fijian international Sam Matavesi has been assisting the Navy U23s under Declan Johnson as the forwards coach alongside fellow senior players Edd Pascoe, Sam Benzie and Jay Toogood.

Speaking to BFBS Sport after the game, Sam said: "I think the fightback they showed today after losing to the RAF last week, I thought the intensity of this game of absolutely outstanding, so I think they deserve everything that they got tonight and hopefully that can use this towards next year and build on it.

"The biggest thing for us is just getting players to train and getting them off work to train. Sometimes we've had nine players, twelve, and as the camp progresses you get a few more.

"But if we can get a core of players from week one, then we should be at this level every year."

This season's Brian Weeks Trophy is awarded to AET Jack Devereux.

This award holds special meaning, as it is dedicated to the memory of Brian Weeks and honours the best aged group player throughout the U23s season, culminating in the Inter Services Tournament.

Navy U23s: J Arrowsmith, L Evans, J Deveraux; T Ashton, M Betteridge; B Smith (CC), R Neagle, J Smith, E Bailey, G Edson, M Watkins, F Elliott, C Over, J Cross, B Callard.

Replacements: C Tant, F Walls, F Harvey, H Royle, O Doyle, A Greenland, L Leeman, M Emtage.

Words by Craig Tilley

Images by K Woodland