Royal Navy v Royal Air Force – The Dog Watch Trophy

The teams were presented to Air Commodore Dean Andrew, recently appointed President of the RFL, and Rear Admiral Alex Burton President of RNRL. The big match official was Mr Darren Hayes, well known to both sets of players having officiated the RN home IS match on several previous occasions.

The game got underway with the RAF having the better of the early exchanges. This early pressure required some stout defence by the home side which led to a significant injury after only 5 minute. RN Fijian centre B Buinimasi made a crucial and possibly try saving tackle but in doing so suffered an ankle injury which ended the game for him. Following the restart the RAF made the most of the territorial advantage and touched down out wide courtesy of winger Andy Cooper, the conversion was missed nevertheless a good opening by the RAF 0-4. Ten minutes went by before the next score which went to the home side, after recovering t from both the early score and the loss of Buinimasi the RN were now got back on terms and were making good ground themselves. The crucial break was made by Luke Cooper who took his side deep into RAF territory before he was stopped. From the play the ball play swung across the field out to the RN right, Mike Haldenby taking the final pass to beat the RAF defence and going round to ease the angle for the conversion. Ryan Mathews put over the straight forward conversion and the home side were in front 6-4. With both sides evenly matched it looked like the score would remain this way until the half time break but a last minute effort by full back Scott Stevenson moving into the attacking line changed everything, Cash was wide with the conversion but it gave the RAF a 2 point lead at the break 6-8.

Out for the second half and the visitors were out of the blocks better once again. Great pressure on the RN line gave Jordan Anrade a chance and the big prop crossed from close range, Scott Cash slotted over the easy conversion 6-14 after only three minutes of the half. Barely had the RN restarted the game when RAF replacement Chris Kellock suffered a serious leg injury which required an ambulance to take the player off to hospital. After a 10 minute hold up whilst Kellock was given the best attention possible the game restarted with the RAF once more on the offensive. A break for the line was held up by the RN but from the play the ball second row Sam Breeze burrowed his way over for the try, another Cash conversion put his side further ahead at 6-20. The game was now entering the last quarter and both the scoreboard and the clock were against the RN however they dug in and launched a series of strong attacks against the RAF who appeared to be tiring. The RN took advantage in the best possible way, replacement Steve Riley took the ball on from 25 metres out and stepped the RAF defence to score comfortably under the posts and with Mathews again on target it was 16-20. The RAF were not completely done attacking again they were awarded a penalty by Ref Hayes, .opting for the two pointer Cash extended his sides lead to 12-22. Once again the RN rallied this time another replacement Richie Metcalfe, just back from a season long injury, took the ball at speed and ran a great line to follow Riley’s example and touchdown under the posts. Mathews again on target made it 18-22. Unfortunately for the home side the clock was the winner and with the RAF missing a final penalty shot the game was brought to an end by Ref Hayes’ whistle.

Not a great result for the reigning IS Champions but congratulations to the RAF with their hooker Liam Bradley picking up the Man of the match award.

At time of writing Chris Kellock is recovering in QA Hospital and all involved wish him a speedy recovery.

RN Seniors:- Sean Houghton, Mike Haldenby, Silivenusi Buinimasi, Tom Loxam, Luke Cooper, Ryan Mathews, Jarron Southernwood, James Parry, Kevin Botwood, Adam Birkett , Ben Taylor, Mark Robinson, Tommy Wilkinson, Jack Basher, Richie Metcalfe, Andy Parrott, Steve Riley – Coach Steve Lockton
RAF Seniors:- Scott Stevenson, Simon Wray, Dave Hankinson, Andy Cooper, Scott Cash, Adam Flintham, Josh Scott, Liam Bradley, Jordan Anrade, Sam Breeze, Craig Rutter, Lee Queeley, Tom Moore, Chris Kellock, Dale Jinks, Bobby McGregor – Coach Garry Dunn