The Jack Harison Trophy

Despite outscoring the Army three trys to one the RN came up just short due to Mickey Hoyle converting all his opportunities at goal to frustrate the home side. The heavy rain forecast for the day finally arrived as the match got underway making ball retention that bit more difficult for both teams. The match however got off to a flying start with both sides scoring early on. First on the board were the RN, skipper Ben Taylor taking the ball in his own half, breaking the first line of defence and then on to beat the final defenders to touchdown after a 60 metre sprint for the line. The Army responded barely three minutes later winger Mercer taking his chance well to even the scores and with Hoyle's conversion the visitors were ahead 4:6. The game settled down for a while although the home side found themselves pegged back by a succession of penalties resulting in a team warning. With 20 minutes gone the Army did cross the line however the try was chalked off due to an obstruction in back play. This let off did not last long, Mickey Hoyle knocking over a straightforward penalty in increase his des lead to 4:8. The remainder of the half belonged to the RN, a period of intense pressure with back to back sets seemed certain to be rewarded and finally the breach came. Good build up play got the RN close to the line on their left and Mark Robinson in his last game for the Brothers forced his way over to level the scores. The Army did get a break out from their own line and once again a penalty awarded by Ref Phil Rigby gave them another shot at goal, Hoyle gratefully accepting the chance and at the break the Army had their noses in front 8:10.

The second half saw defences on top throughout with barely any clear cut chances to be had, frustratingly for the RN though a further two penalty’s were conceded and converted by Hoyle to keep the pressure on the RN. Players on both sides were feeling the strain of the match and Ref Rigby was obliged to stop the clock on several occasions throughout the half to allow treatment which only led to frustration on the RN part. A couple of promising chances came to nothing due to forward passes and it seemed the Army were going to take the game as the clock ran down. However with pressure still on the Army line the Fijian connection of Buinimasi and Kurasasa finally breached the Army defence. Buinimasi took another shot at the Army defence as he had done all night; this time got just enough room to release his winger Kurassasa who beat the desperate Amy fence in the corner. The try was awarded and it was all on the conversion, unfortunately Bamford's attempt went across the face of the goal 12-14. After a second half of almost an hour on the pitch the final whistle went and the Army marked their resurgence by taking the Jack Harrison Trophy for the first time in 4 years. The officials awarded the Man Of The match to Army Loose Forward Andy Ward with RN second Row Jamie Birdsall once again being nominated by the officials as the RN player of the match

This match was the final appearance at Inter services for two of the Brothers stars and members of 'Team Wezzie', Mark Robinson, winner of three IS titles including one as skipper announced his retirement and Kev Botwood probably the most successful RN player ever to wear the jersey, a winner of 4 IS titles, a World Cup and the Gloucester 9's competition leaves the RN after 15 years loyal service to both the RN and RNRL. All involved in RNRL wish both Kev and Robbo all the very best for the future and thank them for their commitment to RNRL over the years - Guys you will be missed!

RN- Luke Cooper, Tu Roko Kurassasa, Silivenusi Buinimasi, Shaun Houghton, Josh Coupland, Darren Bamford, Ryan Matthews, Adam Birkett, Jarron Southernwood, Mark Robinson, Ben Taylor (C), Nathan Lee, Kev Botwood. Reps-James Parry, Johnny Griffiths, Danny Johnson, Jamie Birdsall

Scorers T. Taylor, Robinson, Kurassasa

Army – Mike Harrison Marcus Mercer, Jamie Laing, Pete Holmes, Mickey Hoyle, Kieron Roche, Kev Brown, Tom Chase, Matt Scott Shaun Allen, Ben Cartmell, Jordan Kerman, Andy Ward Reps Jo e Peters, Turner, Ryan Watkins, Bobby Howdle

Scorers T Mercer,
G Hoyle, 1Con, 4 Pens