Senior Men Impervious to Hornets' Sting

The Royal Navy Rugby Union side put in a strong performance against Hornets winning 35-14 in a fiercely fought match. The game was marked by the driving mauls of the Navy, who were able to capitalise on their early momentum and put the first points on the board.

The first try came from Chris Mills, who was able to take advantage of a break away from Rhys Williams to carry around the corner. The Hornets were able to exert their own pressure and in a power play caused the Navy to make mistakes, resulting in a try for the hosts.

Winning a scrum penalty, the resultant lineout created the platform for Williams to transform from provider to scorer. A moment later Mills again found the ball in his hands and after a bruising run went over again.

Not to be outdone by his backrow partner, Will Hope, on the back of the strong carries of his team mates, dotted one down to take a 21 lead into the clubhouse courtesy of 3 additional conversions from Jordan Gott.

The effort required to keep the Navy out was telling in the second half as the Hornets struggled to match the tempo. The Navy came close on a several occcassions; one such effort was initated by Will Rigelsford's break taking play close to the Hornets' line. A reversal of momentum saw the Hornets march up the pitch with a yellow card for Will Hope for an accumulation of penalties inside RN 22.

With the score at 28-7 the Navy made 7 changes, with Craig Duncan returning to protect Ben Chambers. This substitution paid off as Dom Cleverley managed to make a break, leading to a try from Duncan which was converted. The Navy were then able to see out the game as the Hornets made a late push, with both sides putting on a great display of running rugby.

The only other try of the half went to Hornets who profited from the Navy receiving further warnings for too many penalties inside 22. Slick hands and the Hornets, from a near perfect running line, scored under posts which was converted to the delight of the Weston-Super-Mare crowd.

After the match, Captain Craig Duncan said he was grateful for the fixture and the great welcome from the Hornets, saying that the boys really enjoyed the test and stood up to the challenge. The match was a great performance for the Navy, with an expansive game from both teams creating a great spectacle for the supporters. The Navy are looking to build on this performance and their Head Coach Dave Pacsoe praised the fixture, saying it was an excellent test at this time in their season.

A delighted ADoR Arty Shaw said, "It was a great performance with free flowing rugby from both teams leading to a spectacle of running rugby."

The Senior Men next take the field against Taunton RFC a stones throw from their Norton Manor training camp. The match kicks off at 19:30 on 3rd May.

Words by Matt Whitehead

Images by Photographer