Royal Navy makes statement victory over the RAF in Inter Services title defence
The Royal Navy senior men's team earned a commanding victory over the Royal Air Force in the second encounter of the Inter Services championships.
Playing at Fratton Park, the home of the 2008 FA Cup champions Portsmouth FC, the Navy entered the competition as the defending Inter Services champions for the first time since 2017.
Players, coaches and spectators took part in a minute silence to honour the memory of Group Captain John Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot who passed away on Monday aged 105.
The Navy held on to the most ball possession in the opening stages of the first half, until RAF captain Michael Campbell fancied his chances against Navy goalkeeper Loz McCormick, who successfully deflected Campbell’s goal attempt with his right foot.
The Navy's big opportunity came with a free kick taken by Manny Roche, whose curler found the head of Jack Wright which deflected straight into the net.
The home team’s goal piled the pressure on the visiting side, but the experience of Navy captain Loz McCormick in goal showed through, with some impressive saves to keep the RAF at bay come halftime.
Spurred on by a home crowd, the Navy brought the same energy that saw them take the lead in the first half, but a disallowed goal for Sanchez Jansz-Baker after being flagged for being offside would’ve left a sour taste.
But with ten minutes remaining, it was Jake Walker who broke the deadlock with a powerful strike on the edge of the box to extend the Senior Service’s lead to 2-0.
And before everyone had a chance to catch their breath, substitute Dan Greet added a third for the home side to slam the door on the RAF’s chances to stage a comeback.
At full-time, the Navy walked away with a commanding 3-0 victory at Fratton Park as well as the upper hand in this title race.
The Senior Service face the British Army in Uxbridge in what will be an exciting Inter Services title decider.
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