Rugby Unites in Goa as Crocs and PWLS Forge Bonds

HMS Prince of Wales RFC Jets were beaten by their hosts, the Goa Crocs, 25 - 0 in three 10-minute games under the Indian sun. The Crocs’ strong defence and skill earned them 10 - 0, 5 - 0, and 10 - 0 victories, while The Jets, many new to rugby, gained valuable experience while local school children cheered on both sides, supporting the Crocs’ efforts to promote rugby in Goa.

The Goa Crocs dominated The Jets in a friendly match, winning 25 - 0 across three games. Played under the blazing Indian sun on a beautiful pitch thankfully made all the softer due to recent monsoon rains. With a large and enthusiastic group of local school children in the stands PWLS were delighted to help the Crocs grow the game across Goa.

Due to the extreme heat the day was split into three 10 min matches interspersed with the Men’s games. The Crocs showcased superior skill, teamwork, and defence, while The Jets gained valuable experience with many of the team only picking up a rugby ball on this deployment for the first time.

The Crocs wasted no time in the first game asserting their dominance, with their captain scoring the opening try in the 4th minute, giving the Crocs an early 5 - 0 lead. The Jets struggled to gain ground, but Caitlin Render was quick on the ball applying pressure to the Crocs, Tamzin Campbell was on the wing and utilised the quick ball to make a break out wide but unfortunately the Crocs covering defence was solid. The Crocs capitalised on PWLS defensive lapses and their quick players, crossing the line for a second try on 9 minutes, leaving the score 10 - 0 at full time.

The second game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams demonstrating excellent defensive organisation and quick transitions. Goa Crocs started strongly, scoring the only try within the first two minutes through a sharp break by their playmaker, who exploited a gap in The Jets defensive line. The Jets came back strongly with Mia Bland breaking their defensive line, but it was shut down once again by the Crocs tight defence. The Crocs won the second game 5 - 0.

The third game was a showcase of attacking flair, with Goa Crocs dominating much of the play. From the outset, Goa Crocs quick passing and fluid movement overwhelmed The Jets’ defence, leading to an early try within the first minute. The Jets struggled to find their rhythm, and the Goa Crocs capitalised with another try. The Jets tightened their defence in the final 5 mins and no more tries were conceded but the Crocs were equally as strong in defence and the Jets couldn’t break them down. The final game ended 10 - 0 to the Goa Crocs.

PWLS Jets: Georgia Davidson, Mia Bland, Hannah Carr, Tamzin Campbell, Caitlin Render, Eva Alcock, Toni Mein.

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HMS PWLS overcame the Goa Crocs 34 - 21 in a tough match under Goa’s tropical heat. Played over three 20-minute periods, the game featured strong performances and a late Crocs comeback, but PWLS held on to secure the win.

Although India is not known as a hotbed of rugby it presented HMS PWLS with their sternest test yet with the team showing the character and resilience you would want to see 7 months into the deployment. Arriving at the beautifully manicured pitch complete with stand in the tropical surroundings of Goa, the team where met by a large vocal crowd of local school children who had been invited to the match as part of the Goa Crocs Academy attempts to grow the sport in the Provence. 

With the tropical heat blasting down, it was decided to play 3 x 20 min periods, all refereed by Lt Paul Huggett. The Crocs more used to playing 7s and 10s had asked if PWLS could provide several players to help guide them in the 15-a-side game. AB Tuivadra volunteered to play 10 for the Crocs and proceeded to have his best game of the deployment, with a sterling attacking and defensive display which deservedly won him the player of the match award. 

With the planned rotation of the playing squad to allow as many people the opportunity to play, it took time for PWLS to get into their stride scoring late on in the first 20 min period out wide after a line out and rolling maul in the corner which resulted in the skipper Tom Holloway going over, with the conversion missed.

The team talk at the interval was for more of the same, play the patterns and not get sucked into a 7s style game. This appeared to have been taken on board with some slick handling from the backs allowing a decisive break before the RNRUs Dom Cleverley thundered over between the posts and the conversion knocked over by AB Joe Thorpe. However, the Crocs were not going to give up, with their rapid backline led by Tuivadra ripping open PWLS twice in quick succession which left PWLS trailing 14 - 12 at the end of 2^nd third.

Once again, the management team urged for PWLS to play a conservative tight game plan in the final 3^rd, with the effects of the heat clearly visible amongst all 25 players in the squad. This appeared to have the desired effect after a number pick and goes from the pack, before moving it to the centres where Lt Adam Pollock burst through to score – to regain a slender lead 14 – 17. From the restart PWLS attempted to move the ball wide from just inside their own half but the pass was picked off by one of the Crocs centres who ran through unopposed to score and convert 21 -17 with less than 10 mins to go.

The final 10 mins saw PWLS having to dig deep, but their determination to remain unbeaten on the deployment was evident. Pressure from the restart resulted in winning a scrum, from which Pollock once again broke the opposition line to take the slightest of leads, 21 - 22. Next it was the forwards turn from the restart with a series of strong runs and offloads moving the team up the pitch before Cleverley once again barrelled over with the kick successfully taken. With the final play of the game Deri White showed his deceptively fast pace to score – FT 21 - 34.

Mike Jones said, “A huge thank you from HMS PWLS to the Goa Crocs rugby club for the amazing hospitality shown throughout the day. We wish them all the best with their endeavours to grow the sport in Goa and hopefully the next RN Ship to visit can continue to build on the friendships made.”

Images by Crocotryles Rugby Foundation