RAF Women in Dominant Display

Having missed out on last year’s Inter Service crown to the British Army, the Royal Air Force Women could not have asked for a stronger start to their 2026 campaign. Under the lights at cinch Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton, they produced a commanding performance to defeat the Royal Navy 36–7 and place themselves firmly in the title conversation.

The RAF were gifted an early lead when Daisy Fahey slotted a penalty inside the opening minutes. That early strike settled nerves and set the tone for what followed. With the Navy struggling to find rhythm, the light blues seized control. Tyler Lewis crossed for the first try, quickly followed by Sinead Skillin, and with Fahey converting both, the RAF were 17 points clear after just 20 minutes.

Debutante Hannah McCabe then marked her first appearance in style, racing onto an offload from Orla Proctor to score just before the break. At half time, the scoreboard read 24–0, leaving the Navy with a mountain to climb.

The second half began in similar fashion, with Kim Grundy reacting sharply to a loose ball and slicing through the defence for the RAF’s fourth try. Once again, Fahey added the extras, her consistency from the tee earning her Player of the Match honours. At 31–0, the RAF looked unstoppable, their blend of pace, power and accuracy leaving the Navy chasing shadows.

To their credit, the Navy refused to surrender. They tightened their defence and worked hard to disrupt the RAF’s rhythm, eventually finding reward late in the game. Substitute Philippa Griffiths broke through to score, and Holly Cole converted to ensure the Navy avoided a shut‑out. But the contest had long since been decided, and the final whistle confirmed a 36–7 victory for the RAF.

It was a performance full of conviction, built on strong foundations and clinical finishing. Fahey’s kicking provided the platform, while Lewis, Skillin, McCabe and Grundy all showed the cutting edge that makes the RAF such a dangerous side. For the Navy, there were glimpses of resilience and determination, but ultimately they were left to rue missed opportunities and the inability to contain the RAF’s attacking waves.

The result places the RAF women in a strong position as they look ahead to a potential deciding fixture against the Army at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, on Saturday 16 May. For the Navy, attention now turns to Twickenham, where they will face their fiercest rivals in front of more than 50,000 supporters at the Allianz Stadium.

In Northampton, however, the story belonged to the RAF. From the opening penalty to the closing celebrations, they controlled the contest and sent a clear message: after last year’s disappointment, they are determined to reclaim the Inter Service title in 2026.

Senior Women: L Honeybell, A Puttock, L Swain; J Shaw, R Sinclair; B Wilcox, S Burgos, E Brightwell (C); J Parnaby (VC), C Goodwin, H Cole, R Dixon, J Abel, F Mullett, F-M White.

Replacements: R Addis, R Marley, R Tuvou, O Kafoa, E Bythell, E Maxwell, L Fox, P Griffiths.

Words by SoCo

Images by Cinnabar Studios