RAF
RAF Break Royal Navy Hearts With Dramatic Comeback
The RAF have staged a thrilling comeback in this year's inter-services rugby championships, earning a 32-32 draw after a dramatic late comeback.
A late converted try came to their rescue in the tie against the Royal Navy at RAF Halton, with the result putting them firmly in contention for this year's trophy.
RAF head coach Flt Sgt Tug Wilson spoke of the importance of the result:
"We’re still in the Inter-Services Championship, which hasn’t been said by an Air Force side in many years."
The match began with the Royal Navy catching the RAF off-guard, utilising elusive winger Mne Greg Welling through the centre of the backs to cut through a nervous RAF defence. Although fly half Sac Andy Byrne claimed three points for the hosts, the immediate pace and power of the Navy led to a remarkable three-try haul for Aet Jon Humphry within the first 18 minutes, with the away side’s full back able to convert one of his three scores.
Suddenly trailing 6-20 and yet to display their progression over recent years, the RAF broke deep into Navy territory through the aggressive running of centre Cpl Leroy Queeley. This led to a promising few minutes from the RAF pack, eventually rumbling over the line, only to be denied by referee Ian Bibey who deemed the try to be held up as the visitors scrambled well in defence.
Having proven their resilience, the Navy worked their way back up the pitch through a series of set-plays. The intensity of a typical inter-services affair led to a penalty against the dark blues, which was successfully claimed by the Air Force’s Cpl Martin McRobbie. Climbing the scoreboard, this sparked a surge of momentum from the home side.
Take a look below at our footage of an RAF fly-past, taken before the game....
London Welsh’s premiership lock Sac Josh McNally, having shown his prowess in securing lineout ball, was now bursting through the Royal Navy channels to make considerable ground. The visitors struggled desperately to balance aggression and discipline in contact, losing a man to the sin bin and giving away two kickable penalties. Reminiscent of last year’s competition, the RAF were unable to translate opportunities to points from the boot, missing both kicks and trailing 6-20 at the interval.
Appearing disheartened with a first half performance absent of killer instinct, the RAF succumbed once more to the dynamic strength of Navy No.8 Cpl Dave Fairbrother, whose powerful play with ball in hand resulted in a try for replacement Musn Edd Pascoe shortly after the break.
The hosts were quick to respond, though, gaining hard yards around the ruck to get over the line, and then once more from a lineout move – centre Cpl Dave Hankinson going through on his own with men to spare outside. Once more, however, Navy forwards seemed to nullify any RAF hopes of a momentum shift, extending their lead with yet another patient drive from the front row at the fringes of the breakdown.
The visitors attempted to kill the game, suspending play in the middle of the pitch with a healthy 14-point lead and consistently clearing their lines. Yet again the marauding runs from the RAF’s talented McNally created chances and the home side were able to pull back two tries, the last of which carried over by substitute Toby Mann. Those in attendance held their breath whilst the crucial second Air Force conversion soared through, confirming a dramatic comeback for the developing side which ensured a draw in the fixture but would have felt like a victory.
Flt Sgt Wilson, meanwhile, noted the areas his side will need to improve on going forward.
"It was a victory and a defeat, we could have been better in certain areas. It was a slow start again, and we missed three kicks as well. Get these things right and we would have won comfortably.
As for the Royal Navy, Director of Rugby Cdr Mark Dellor spoke of his disappointment at the outcome but remained confident in his team’s ability to bounce back.
"The RAF were still there in the second half, which was a shame because we weren’t matching it any more.
"This is a tight-knit group of people, we’ve been around the world together and this is not the first time the group has lost. We’ll regroup and come again."
The result comes after another great result for the Air Force, with the RAF Women’s XV flying to a 55-15 victory against the Royal Navy with a convincing team performance. Click here to see the full match report.
The men will now hope to move closer to their first inter-services victory in 10 years in their next fixture, a tough away tie against the Army on April 30 - surely set to be another fascinating inter-services clash.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
