Brothers Storm To Is Title

So the scene was set, after seeing the RN Ladies and the Academy win their matches not only was the clean sweep on but the destination of both the Dog Watch Trophy and the Inter Services Title was up for grabs as well.

RN Coach Steve Lockton had made a couple of changes from the side that beat the Army notably a first start for James Shaw brought up from the Academy for the game. In the absence of last week’s Man of The Match Kev Botwood another new face, Sam Carter started at scrum half following a good showing against the Army. The RAF had many of their regulars from previous campaigns on show including the return of Martin Wood playing at centre instead of his usual role at Stand-off. The evening was very warm and the pitch was still in immaculate condition, as always, despite the days two previous matches.

Ref Darren Hayes got the game underway, a bit of hesitation by the RAF defence almost gave Tommy Wilkinson a dream stat for his team but the original knock on was given. The game remained scoreless for another few minutes before the RN were awarded a penalty in the centre of the field, Darren Bamford elected to kick the two points to give his side an early lead, 0:2. The RAF recovered from this early set back and despite uncompromising defence from the home side a series of mid field bombs put pressure on the home defence. It was from one of these that the RAF had their first scoring chance, a penalty for obstruction well within the RN half was awarded however the RAF went for touch instead of an attempt at goal. Despite a lot of hard work by the pack the RN line held firm and the game switched to the RAF half, again it was the defence that was on top so the game remained 2:0. Following back to back penalties the RAF were now in front of the posts but again spurned the chance to equalise however this time good approach work by Anrade and Queeley gave the space outside and stand-off Dave Hankinson crossed out wide to put the RAF ahead, a good effort to convert the try by Si Wray was just wide so it remained 2:4 after 23 minutes. Again penalty’s conceded by the RAF brought the home side close to the line and skipper Mar Robinson was unlucky not to score being held up over the line. From the restart Sam Carter released a quality grubber to the corner and Mike Haldenby, playing at right wing in this game, was just in touch as he grounded the ball. The next ten minutes or so was probably the RAF’s best spell of the match with several incisive breaks through midfield but the RN defence held firm until one such move saw the ball spun out wide towards Lee Queeley but the ball was knocked out of his hands however Si Wray gathered up the loose ball and touched down out wide to extend the RAF lead to 2:8. Another difficult kick for Si Wray was put just wide and shortly after the restart Ref Hayes blew for the halftime break. An entertaining half for the neutrals with the RAF looking strong towards the end of the half.

The home side took the initiative straight from the restart with replacements Johnny Platt, Gareth Cadmore and Ratu Kurasasa all having an early impact. After stern defence from the RAF the breach was finally made from the play the ball on the fifth the ball went out to the RN Right to the Fijian combination of Buinimasi whose inch perfect pass gave Ratu Kurasasa in for the try, a great touchline conversion by Darren Bamford tied the match after barely five minutes. This score signalled a 20 minute period of some of the best play the RN have put together for some time led by in form stand-off Darren Bamford. Following more RN pressure a dropped ball by Queeley gave the RN advantage on the RAF 40 line, Tommy Wilkinson who had been influential throughout took the ball from the base of the scrum to make ground to the line, a couple more tackles inched the RN close before Wilkinson took the ball at pace 20 mars out and released the money ball to Bamford who was on his shoulder, the stand-off went over almost under the posts to make his own conversion almost a formality. The RN now were on top of their game with the RAF barely getting a touch of the ball finding themselves now behind 14:8. Bamford was over again only five minutes later, a good break by Johnny Platt brought the RN into the RAF half and on the last Sam Carter hoisted a testing kick to the corner, with three RN players rapidly approaching James Hutchinson lost the ball over the line to set up another RN attacking scrum. From the scrum centre Kami Kamikamica came inside to take the ball on and was unlucky not to score himself however a swift play the ball to Bamford with the RAF defence wide open saw the Stand-off in again to the left of the posts once again giving him an easy conversion18:8. A bit off frustration was creeping into the RAF being denied any meaningful possession and giving away a succession of penalties, Bamford again took advantage of this to stretch his sides lead to 20:8 as full time approached. There was still time for more scoring though for the RN, more pressure through midfield put the RAF defence on the back foot and once gain Bamford took the play on, this time moving out towards the right where his pass found Gareth Cadmore who used his strength to force himself over and touch down for another Navy try. With Bamford receiving treatment for a bang he received in the last set of plays Sam Carter took the shot at goal but was just wide with his effort 26:8. Once again the RN returned the restart with interest and the positive play earned them yet another penalty and Bamford who had shaken off his earlier injury calmly stepped up and put the ball neatly between the sticks to complete the scoring for the match 28:4. The final few minutes were a bit scrappy with neither side holding onto the ball well enough to make a determined effort for the line. The RAF probably had the better of the closing minutes but only Jordan Anrade came close to scoring but a strong tackle from Ben Taylor pulled him back to prevent the score. Referee Hayes blew for full time which signalled great scenes of celebration in the RN ranks and disappointment for the RAF who knew they had been well beaten on the night by the better side. President of GB Armed Forces Rugby League Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach presented the ‘Dog Watch trophy’ to Darren Bamford who had also taken the Man of the Match award for the night whilst RNRL President Commodore Alex Burton presented the IS Trophy to RN Skipper Mark Robinson.

Royal Navy: Steve Riley, Mike Haldenby, Silivenusi Buinimasi, Kitione Kamikamica, Emeri Ratacoku, Darren Bamford (vc), Sam Carter, Richie Metcalfe, Mark Sharp, James Shaw, Ben Taylor, Mark Robinson (C), Tommy Wilkinson, Gareth Cadmore, Jonny Platt, Lewis Taylor, Roko Kurasasa
Coach: Steve Lockton

Scorers:- T Bamford (2), Ratucoku, Lewis Taylor,
G Bamford 4(Conv) 2(Pens)

RAF: James Hutchinson, Si Wray, Martin Wood, Andy Cooper, James Hodgson, Dave Hankinson, Scott Cash, Rob Bell, Tom Perrin, Jordan Anrade, Chris Gordon, Lee Queeley, Liam Bradley, Sion Williams, Chris Kellock, Jon Colley, Henry Charleson
Coach: Dave Moll

Scorers:- T, Wray. Hankinson

Referee Mr Darren Hayes,
TJ Mickey Brighton & Phil Rigby