RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

HMS DIAMOND RFC v A Coy 2 Yorks RFC

Two months and two training sessions into HMS DIAMOND’s Operation Recsyr deployment and they finally got to play a competitive game. A Coy 2 Yorks provided the opposition; a team that are more custom to playing Rugby League and this showed early on with DIAMOND dominating the scrum, winning many against the head. However, even with the dominance of DIAMOND’s pack they couldn't stop the free running backs from breaking the line and scoring three tries in the first 20 mins. After a short water break and a few substitutions DIAMOND’s forwards again went on the charge spending a 15 min period deep in their opponents half, winning numerous penalties, but in true tourist fashion looking to score tries. After all the pressure 2 Yorks absorbed, they managed to break away and score 2 more tries before half time.

With yet more rotation at half time from DIAMOND they started the second half a little slower, with a little less domination in the scrum, and with a little more Fijian magic from 2 Yorks the tries continued to flow for the hosts. There was however time for DIAMOND to finally be awarded with a penalty try for consistent infringements with PO "Donny" Donnelly kicking the conversion and earning himself a fine for scoring the teams’ first points of the deployment. Another water break meant yet more changes to DIAMONDS team, but no let up in effort.

With a final score of 61 - 7, it was by no means a true reflection of how the game was played. A special mention goes to CPO "Topsy" Turner, Lt. "Ollie" Sander and CPO "Dixie" Deane who due to DIAMOND having no front row replacements played the entire match, and led from the front in every scrum. PO "Pebs" Peberdy was chosen as man of the match, with an outstanding display of tackling, closing the ball carrier down and hard running with ball in hand, although the award could have gone to any number of the DIAMOND squad.

After the match it was back to the host’s barracks for some well earned refreshments and to watch the England v Wales six nation’s game. DIAMOND’s squad and supporters were well hosted, with food and drink provided for all. At the half time break during the big match, both teams took the opportunity to carry out the customary presentations with the Team Captains offering their thanks and respects for a hard fought encounter. The Man of the Match from each team, as well as the "DOD" came forward to close proceedings and accept their awards! Then it was back to watch the 6 Nations. A great way to end a fine day; both teams can be justifiably proud.

Team List
DIAMOND squad: PO Chadwick, CPO Deane, PO Donnelly, AB Dowds (capt.), LS Driscoll, ET Evans, CPO Franklin, AB Hamilton, Lt. Johnson, PO Mallett, Lt. Meigh, LCH Northeast, PO Peberdy, LS Robinson, Lt. Sander, Capt. Simmons RM, Lt Cdr Tall, CPO Turner, L/Cpl White, CPO Wilson, AB Young, Lt. Ziomkowski USN.