Sport

RAF Rugby Stars Warm Up For Inter-Services With Big Win Over French

The RAF's rugby union players have scored a big win over their French counterparts, running in six tries in a 44-3 win at RAF Halton.

The match against the French Air Force is their final warm-up game before next month's Inter-Services campaign.

Both sides observed a minute's silence in memory of Lieutenant Colonel Arnaud Beltrame before kick-off, the hero policeman who gave his life to save hostages at last week's French supermarket siege - a gesture much appreciated by the French players and officials.

RAF rugby director Howard Parr had welcomed back several senior players for the fixture and asked them to play an expansive game.

While this wasn't always easy on a glue pot of a pitch, they ultimately produced the goods.

The first try set the tone, with the forwards displaying their dominance before quick, expansive passing led to Lloyd Owen getting the chance to open the scoring.

RAF Rugby Union win vs French Air Force 2018

L'Armee De L'Air responded with a spell of pressure which led to a drop goal from Victor Bonnafous.

But the RAF then produced a magnificent second try, turning defence into attack with lightning speed.

Full-back Sam Rendell surged forward to free up Owen and his pace did the rest, for a try that was appreciated by the spectators.

Andy Byrne notched the conversion before the forwards again demonstrated their power for a third try.

They overpowered the visitors with a rolling maul, before inevitably going over for another five points, with Ross McDougall the man to get on the scoresheet before Byrne added the extras.

And there was time for a fourth try before the break after great work from Rob Bell set up Lloyd Owen for a brilliant hat-trick, going in at the corner to make it 24-3.

Byrne missing the conversion but added a penalty before half-time to make it 27-3.

He then added another in a much tighter second half, with the Air Force having to defend against a spirited French response.

The home team went for a big finish though, with number eight Matt Tibbatts making the chance, before Luke Riddell fed Toby Mann to dive in for another converted try, injuring himself in the process.

The sixth and final try saw some individual brilliance from Jake Tupa, showing the kind of flair the RAF will need in the coming Inter-Services campaign.

It was a try to top off the sort of performance the captain had been looking for, with the conversion making the final score 44-3.

Flight Lieutenant Stu Philpott, who starred at the heart of the front row, told Forces Network:

"We scored some really good tries... We were able to put a lot of what we've worked on the practice pitch onto the playing pitch but what I was most proud of was the scoreline in defence."

"Stopping them getting over the line shows a lot of heart and a lot of dedication to what we're doing moving forward."

Wing Commander Parr said: "I think some of the boys had points to prove.

"I've tinkered with the team throughout the season so far.

"Today was the first time that I've actually had most of the team that I'd like to have available to play... and they did very well."