Despite upheaval off the field due to refurbishment works at Burnaby Road the six sides from the respective services put on a great display throughout Friday afternoon and evening as Portsmouth welcomed back Inter Services Rugby League to the city.
Great credit must go top Players and Coaching staff for their patience during the day as they coped with the enforced changes to the normal smooth running at RNRL HQ. This upheaval mattered not on the field as three thrilling matches were played on the day, the visitors coming out on top in the Womens and Academy fixtures whilst the RN Brothers took the Seniors match to regain the Dog Watch Trophy.

The opening encounter of the day featured the Academy sides from the RN and RAF and provided great entertainment for the spectators enjoying the Burnaby Road sunshine. A tough contest throughout with tempers flaring on occasion but nevertheless a good game to watch.
Fraser Leach’s side more than held their own during the first half but the RAF finished the game the stronger. The first 20 minutes or so did belong to the RN with some great play from a relatively new and untried side. It was an experienced player who broke the deadlock for the RN, Simon Tulakepa finishing wonderfully well under the posts from the right wing to give Jack Cone a straight forward conversion. The RAF responded shortly after though No 1 Oakley bursting over and with the conversion being made it was all square after 25 minutes. Another 10 minutes was to pass before the next score and it went to the RN, influential dual code player Ben Chambers finished of another great move for his side, no conversion this time but the RN were ahead at the halftime break 10:6.
The RAF began the second half well and were rewarded with an unconverted try after just 46 minutes 10:10. A period of attritional play followed including a yellow card for the RAF after the player got involved after the REF had blown for the penalty. The next score did go the RN, following more indiscipline from the RAF back to back penalties got the RN within range, Ryan Scott knocking over the 2 pointer 12:10 and into the last 20mins. In fairness the last 20 did belong to the RAF, the RN unable to regain the initiative and the visitors scored a brace of converted tries to take the match 12:22.

Player Of The Match – Ben Chambers

This match was not streamed so unfortunately no footage is available