Royal Navy Show Spirit Despite Army Onslaught

The Royal Navy women may not have found the scoreboard at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, but their determination and cohesion were evident throughout their Inter Service clash against the British Army. Facing a formidable Army side stacked with talent, the Senior Service held their ground and fought until the final whistle, refusing to let the red shirts’ dominance break their spirit.

The Army opened with early tries from Fijian World Cup and UKAF Sports Woman of the Year Number 8 Manuqalo Komaitai and debutante Jaye Ash, but the Navy’s defensive line kept pressing, forcing errors such as Lauren Brooks’ disallowed effort. Even as the Army pushed ahead, the Navy continued to regroup and challenge at the breakdown, showing flashes of the discipline and teamwork that define the Service.

By halftime, the Army had built a commanding and unassailable lead, yet the Navy players never stopped searching for openings with Josie Parnaby giving her everything to create opportunities. Their defensive sets grew more organised, and they battled hard to contain hat‑trick scorers Komaitai and Ash. Every Navy tackle and turnover was cheered by their supporters, a testament to their refusal to yield. While not rewarded in attack, Flo Mullett returning to the side following her hospital visit against the RAF was immense in defence, throwing herself into everything.

Though the Army ultimately secured the Babcock Trophy with a 78 ‑ 0 scoreline, the Navy women walked off with heads held high. For the second year running, they showed resilience against one of the strongest sides in the competition. The challenge now is to build on that spirit, sharpen their attack, and return stronger in pursuit of future Inter Service victories.

Ellie Brightwell replied to BFBS's Cath Brazier, "One of the things we wanted to do coming into this game was obviously shorten that deficit, and we've done that by about 20 points today. That's four tries that they've not been able to score. So for me, that's a big win. I just think it comes down to execution again. I do think, the occasion [comes down to], obviously, the Army, they're a class act aren't they and just the name of him sometimes instils fear and we need to keep that [in mind] and execute where we can...I'm coming for Jade [Mullen - Army Captain] next year."

Senior Women: L Honeybell, A Puttock, L Swain; O Kafoa, R Staples; B Wilcox, R Sinclair, E Brightwell (C); J Parnaby (VC), P Griffiths, L Fox, R Dixon, J Abel, F Mullett, ⁠F-M White.

Replacements: F Moore, R Marley, A Baker, J Shaw, E Bythell, J Banks, C Goodwin, E Hart.

Words by BFBS

Images by Cinnabar Studios