February 2020

Saberton calls the shots against Devonport Services

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Saberton calls the shots against Devonport Services

A ‘Captain’s Innings’ from Paul Saberton and the ensuing game control highlighted the importance of coming together for a training camp before the first Mariners’ match of the season against the typically strong opposition of Devonport Services. As Storm Dennis continued to batter the UK, and as the Rectory proved to be a less than satisfactory rugby playing surface the Royal Navy Rugby Union Mariners’ TSG dusted off the wet weather contingency plan and decided to move the fixture to the more durable Keyham facility.  The mindset shift from playing on grass to the harder 4G surface, particularly for the less flexible player, is always challenging but...

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RN President’s XV too strong for students

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RN President’s XV too strong for students

In appalling conditions the students provided a strong, fit and enthusiastic opposition to a winning President’s XV weakened by many players being involved with the Senior team.   With thirty plus players involved in the Royal Navy Rugby Union Senior XV game at Cambridge it was an opportunity for some players to gain valuable game time at a level which they may not have experienced previously. It also gave coaches an opportunity to assess players in a competitive environment. With heavy rain and strong winds forecast to arrive during the match and light drizzle prior to kick off, the Burnaby Road pitch although firm was wet on the surface and would prove a challenging ...

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Yellow Card Proves Costly but Performance Improved

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Yellow Card Proves Costly but Performance Improved

The Royal Navy Senior XV lost a 15-0 lead through planned changes effecting their momentum and a Yellow Card.  The changes provide vital game experience for the younger players.  The Yellow Card was through this inexperience and provides lessons in precision in your play.  Final score Esher 20 Senior XV 15 For much of the match the Royal Navy Senior XV could be pleased with the progress they had made since last week.  A lead was built through two tries from hooker, Ben Priddey, and a third from fullback, Ben Chambers.  It was always planned that this match would see a number of changes throughout the game and this undoubtedly effected the Navy’s play and...

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Try of the Night Not Enough for Royal Navy Women

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Try of the Night Not Enough for Royal Navy Women

The British Police produced a strong performance to win against the Royal Navy Women at RNAS Yeovilton.  The Navy side worked hard and were tenacious in defence.  They produced the best try of the evening for Dixon to the delight of their supporters, including Commanding Officers from the player’s units. With only one other match for the Royal Navy Women’s XV before the first capped match against the French, the British Police gave them a hard game to assist with their ongoing preparations.  An entertaining first half saw the Police reach the break 22-5 in front after an early Billi Staite try had levelled the game 5-5.  After the break the Police team ...

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Evolution Not Revolution: Navy Women’s Rugby Continues its Progress

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Evolution Not Revolution: Navy Women’s Rugby Continues its Progress

As Head Coach, Charlie Fredrickson, brings together an extended squad of 26 players, prior to Wednesday’s match against British Police, thoughts are already drifting forward’ to Toulon where the Royal Navy Rugby Union Women’s XV will play their first capped match of the season.  The players of course will never admit this, the mantra being the next game; whatever the sport whatever the level.  But the reality of progression is that there has to be longer term plans and it is pleasing to see that the hard work that the Women’s organisation has made over the previous few years, to grow their playing base and deepen their talent pool, is slowly beginning to...

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