Mariners Bogged Down by Defence Academy

The Royal Navy Mariners faced a tough 15 – 10 defeat against the Defence Academy in challenging, muddy conditions. Despite the Navy leading at half-time, the Academy fought back in the second half. The Mariners came close to levelling in the final moments but were held off. The team showed resilience and took valuable lessons as they prepare for their next match against Devonport Services.

The Mariners made the long trip to the Defence Academy in Shrivenham on a damp, chilly evening for what is traditionally one of the toughest away fixtures of the season. After 48 hours of heavy rainfall, the pitch resembled a bog more than a rugby field, setting the tone for a physical, attritional contest.

Fresh from a comfortable opening-round victory, the Mariners faced an Academy side packed with youthful energy and wise old heads and keen to sharpen themselves ahead of an upcoming cup fixture. From the outset, conditions dictated territory-first rugby, with handling at a premium and breakdowns fiercely contested.

The Defence Academy struck first in the 5th minute, capitalising on early pressure to cross for the opening try and take a 5–0 lead. The Mariners responded well, showing excellent defensive communication and growing cohesion in attack. Their efforts were rewarded on 21 minutes when Matty Horton slotted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 5–3.

Momentum swung further in the Mariners’ favour midway through the half. On 28 minutes, sustained pressure told as Matt Southern bundled over to finish well for a try, with Horton adding the conversion to put the visitors ahead 10 – 5. The remainder of the half was scrappy and physical, not helped by a yellow card shown on 36 minutes, but the Mariners went into the break holding a narrow advantage, showing real grit as a team.

The Defence Academy levelled the scores shortly after the restart, crossing on 43 minutes to make it 10 – 10, before edging ahead four minutes later with another score to lead 15 – 10. With the pitch cutting up badly, both sides dug deep, trading territory and defensive sets in a bruising second half.

Late drama followed when the Academy were shown a yellow card on 78 minutes, giving the Mariners a final opportunity. Camped on the opposition line in the dying moments, the visitors threw everything at the Academy defence but were ultimately held up, coming agonisingly close to levelling the match.

The final whistle confirmed a 5-point deficit for the Mariners. While disappointing, it was a tough test in unforgiving conditions and a valuable learning experience as the squad continue to refine their systems enroute to Inter Services. A difficult place to visit, but plenty of positives to take from a committed and cohesive performance. The Mariners move on to Plymouth with their next match against Devonport Services.

Loz Salisbury was happy with her charges, “…in a tough game against a big squad, we are very pleased with tonight's performance. Despite the scoreline, we did a really good job of converting our training into action. We showed good structure and applied sustained pressure in attack. With some key names still yet to join us, we're excited to move onto our next fixture and onward to IS.”

Mariners: C Otway, S Winfield, P Price; A Riley, P Kewn; C Carr (VC), H Hales, S Hillman; R Cox, M Horton, M Hutton, M Southern, E Boden, P Saberton, A McCrohan (C)

Replacements: E Gaught, I Scovell, J Acaster, L Evans, B Jones.

Words by Tim Leeder

Images by Mark Deller