Betfred Challenge Cup 1st Round - RAFRL - RNRL

A dominant second half performance saw RN Rugby League overcome a 6 point half time deficit against the RAF taking the game 28:22. The fixture, at RAF Cranwell was in the 1st round of the Betfred Challenge Cup with the service sides having the honour of opening this year’s 1st round matches. Described by the BBC as the ‘stand out tie of the round’ the clash was broadcast live on the BBC i-player giving AF Rugby League a huge amount of exposure highlighting the quality of the game in the services.

This was the first outing for both teams since last years Inter Services series and was played under several new and amended rules brought in for the 2024 season. The Rugby Football Leagues senior female referee Tara Jones officiated the match and with the help of her touch judges kept the game flowing whilst penalizing any infringements by either side.

The first half saw the two sides exchange scores, the RAF taking an early lead a fine finish out wide by Jame Crabb but with the conversion missed it was only a 4 point lead. Barely 5 minutes later the RN replied, a neat grubber by Scrum half Rhys Joel hit the base of the posts and bounced into the arms of the grateful James Teixeira who touched down under the posts. A bit fortunate maybe but it had to be scored and with Ben Chambers slotting over the conversion the Brothers were ahead 4:6. RNRL stretched the lead 10 minutes later, once again Teixeira touched down for his team after some great approach work by his side sparked by James Tilley at dummy half. Another straight forward conversion for Chambers put the Brothers up by 4:12. The initiative then swung back to the RAF, left wing Harry Davies getting his his side the points, the difficult conversion was missed so it remained 8:12. The initiative remained with the home side for the rest of the half as they crossed twice more Joe Thresh getting on the score sheet and Davies bagging his second. RAF skipper Liam Bradley knocked over a two pointer which saw his side move to an 18:12 lead. Ref Tara Jones blew the whistle for half time giving the RN side time to regroup after a below par end to the half, a lot of work to do in the second half.

The second half saw a re-energized RN side press for an early score but resolute defence by the RAF kept the Brothers at bay until the 50th minute. The returning Jack Ray finally broke the RAF line forcing himself over the line for the try, Ben Chambers conversion was good and brought the scores level again at 18:18. More RN pressure earned a penalty for a ball steal and an attempt at goal was the obvious call with the game so finely balanced. However this time unusually Chambers was wide with his attempt at goal, the groans from the RN fans were matched by the cheers from the RAF followers at the miss so the score remaining tied as the game moved into the last quarter. With play almost exclusively taking place in he RAF half another RN score seemed inevitable and after more good play from midfield left centre Jack Bartlett used his strength to get over the line and put his side ahead once more. With only a narrow 4 point lead it was still all to play for, as the clock ran down. RNRL striking the killer blow though, stand-off Charlie Mattison finishing off another good RN move touching down to the right of the uprights. Chambers was again on target moving his side out to a ten point lead, seemingly enough to take the win. The RAF did not give up though and in a frantic last 5 minutes they scored again. With play compressed into the RN far right and with two of the Brothers laid out after a collision Finn O’Brien found enough room to score the four pointer, a tough conversion was missed so it was 22-28. O'Brien's try proved to be the last play of the match, ref Jones bringing the game to an end. This win was an unprecedented 3rd consecutive victory for the RN Seniors over the RAF in all competitions.

A thoroughly well-deserved win for RNRL masterminded off the field by Darren Bamford and on the field by Brodie-Lee Butler on his debut as skipper backed up by vice-captain Dave Brown. Skipper Butlers efforts were rewarded by him receiving the Man Of The Match award at the post match reception being awarded the Man of the Match trophy

A great contest very much enjoyed by those at the game as well as those watching the BBC live stream judging by the social media comments at full time. The match is still available on the BBC i-player with commentary by one of the greats of the game former player and Great Britain coach Brian Noble.

AS the only remaining AF team left in the competition we now start preps for the second round tie against Thatto Heath Crusaders, the match will be at Burnaby Road over the weekend of 27/28th January, details to follow

Kia Kaha