RAF Weather the Storm to Edge Navy Academy

The RNRU Academy XV fell to a 28-17 defeat in a hard-fought match against the RAF Development Team at Havant RFC. Despite dominating the scrum and showcasing moments of individual brilliance, the Navy were undone by ill-discipline and missed opportunities in challenging conditions.

The eagerly anticipated clash between the RNRU AXV and the RAF Development Team saw a last-minute venue change due to adverse weather conditions on the South coast. Originally scheduled for Burnaby Road, the match was relocated to Havant RFC’s artificial pitch, ensuring the game could go ahead despite the elements.

The Navy started strongly, asserting dominance in the scrum from the outset. The powerful pack forced an early knock-on at the base, setting the tone for a solid performance in this area throughout the afternoon. However, ill-discipline at the ruck and a series of offside penalties proved costly, gifting the RAF two early penalty opportunities within kicking range, both of which were successfully converted.

The Navy responded straight from the restart with a moment of individual brilliance from winger Josh Koribiau, who weaved his way through the defence to score in the corner. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 5-6. The RAF capitalised on further Navy errors, adding another penalty and a converted try to extend their lead to 16-5.

Playing into the wind and rain in the first half, the Navy struggled to gain momentum and conceded another unconverted try. However, they rallied before half-time with a well-executed lineout maul drive, finished off by hooker Tom McConnell. The conversion by Ewan Wakeman brought the score to 12-21 at the break.

After some half time words of encouragement and tactical input from Head Coach Richard Ives the Navy came out firing in the second half, quickly narrowing the gap with a well-worked try. Strong play off the set piece and excellent supporting lines allowed Epeli Tabaka to power over the line. The conversion was missed, but the Navy trailed by just four points at 17-21.

Sustained pressure saw the Navy camped in the RAF 22 for an extended period, but they struggled to convert the territory and possession into points. A crucial turnover allowed the RAF to clear their lines and mount their own attack, eventually scoring the final try of the match to extend their lead to 28-17.

The closing stages were marred by ill-discipline from both sides, with the challenging weather conditions contributing to a flurry of penalties. Each team saw a player sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements, but the scoreline remained unchanged as the RAF held on to secure the victory.

Reflecting on the match, Head Coach Richard Ives said: “I am really proud of the way the boys continue to develop and their attacking instincts, capitalising on the few chances that we had. We are still looking to develop and grow our set piece and when that comes together, we have really exiting squad who I am looking forward to seeing how they perform for the rest of the season.”

Final score: Royal Navy Rugby Union Academy 17 – 28 RAF Development Team.

Academy: G Kelly, T McConnell, J Devereux; C Kerr, H Michie (C); B Loga, S Bartlett, C Postle; E Wakeman, E Bailey, K Baldry, E Tabaka, H Brown, J Korobiau, M Watkins.

Replacements: B Weatherill, J Young, D Jones, A Greenland, D Palmer, C Gay, B Wade, A Assheton.

Words by Tom Main

Images by Keith Woodland