Strong Start to Season against Sirens

The RNRU Women’s Development Team got their 2026/ 27 campaign off to a superb start with an impressive 63 - 27 victory over Havant Sirens at Burnaby Road on Wednesday evening.

Following some rough weather earlier in the day, conditions improved in time for kick-off, leaving a cold but thankfully rain-free evening for the season opener. With a squad of 17, the Development Team welcomed some senior players into the ranks, whose experience helped support and guide the newer members of the squad. The blend of youth and experience proved highly effective, with the entire group quickly gelling to create a positive and supportive team environment.

The Royal Navy made a dominant start, immediately putting Havant under pressure and punching holes through the defensive line. Within the opening 20 minutes, the Navy had raced to 28 unanswered points. Team Captain Cerys Wright opened the scoring, followed by powerhouse forward Rainivani Tuvou catching Havant on the backfoot with a punishing line break. Fly-half Fearn-Maia White added two excellent tries of her own, with Moira Douglass converting throughout to keep the score board ticking over.

Maintaining determination throughout, Havant responded well and demonstrated just how dangerous they can be when moving the ball wide, scoring an impressive team try to get themselves on the score board.

Unfortunately, injuries within the Havant squad threatened to disrupt the contest, but Royal Navy senior player Josie Parnaby selflessly swapped sides to play scrum-half and ensure the game could continue. Parnaby's trademark sniping runs around the ruck caused problems throughout and she was only denied a try by a superbly executed chop tackle from returning player Beth Lewington.

The Royal Navy continued to play with confidence and structure and added two further scores before the break. White completed a well-earned hat-trick, while the unstoppable Libby Fox powered over the line, giving the Development Team a commanding 42-5 lead at half-time.

Havant emerged from the changing rooms with renewed determination and matched the Navy throughout an entertaining second half, with both teams trading tries during a competitive forty minutes.

Shortly after the restart, a sharp line break saw Moira Douglass cross for an excellent individual try before adding the conversion herself. Strong attacking play continued, Emma Jay consistently brought the ball to the line with strong carries, helping maintain momentum and provide quality front-foot ball. After some excellent linking work in midfield, outside centre Erin Hart also crossed for a well-deserved score.

New Development players impressed the coached throughout, with Grace Machell taking to the field for her very first rugby match, making two powerful carries down the right wing. Ava Taylor proved fearless in defence and Lucy Farrelly worked tirelessly to insure she was always available in the forward pod.

Perhaps most pleasingly for the coaching staff, much of the content delivered in training during the week was evident on the pitch. The side displayed a clear attacking shape, strong support lines and effective ruck defence, highlighting the progress already being made by this young group.

The final whistle brought an impressive 63-27 victory. The match showcased the exciting depth of talent emerging from across the Fleet, and with such a promising blend of experienced players and new recruits, the future looks bright for the RNRU Women’s Development Team.

Awards

Back of the Match: Georgia Crossley - for an outstanding display at scrum-half, working tirelessly to reach every breakdown and delivering accurate, high-tempo service from the base of the ruck.

Forward of the Match: Lilia Christie - the first-time player impressed throughout with strong tackling, excellent support play and some powerful runs with ball in hand.

Women's Dev: E Stanyer*, A Puttock (VC), L Christie; L Farrelly*, J Shaw; B Lewington, R Tuvou, E Jay*; G Crossley, F-M White, A Taylor*, M Douglass, E Hart, C Wright (C), L Fox.

Replacements: G Machell*, F Moore

* Denotes new to Navy Rugby

Words by Abi Ashby

Images by Cinnabar Studios