RAF speedster Elliot Knight scores four touchdowns in Mustangs victory

Four scintillating touchdowns from the RAF's wide receiver Elliott Knight secured a Mustangs victory over Royal Navy American Football in game one of this year's Inter Services.

The defending champions beat the Senior Service 39-19 at Tilsley Park in Abingdon.

It was a nervy defensive first quarter for both sides as the Navy really took it to the two-time champions and kept the score to 0-0.

• RAF Mustangs soar after dethroning British Army Jackals to win Inter Services
• RAF Mustangs' American Football campaign off to flying start with crushing win over Navy
• American Football granted Category 2 status by UK Armed Forces Sports' Board

But Knight was quick to get in on the action in the second quarter, with Dylan Pole adding the extra point.

Adam Hennessy then weaved his way across the line to put the light blues 13 points up.

The Royal Navy replied with what they call a "tush push" as quarterback Sam Scott was barrelled over for the touchdown just before half time.

Ioan Davis added the extras for a 13-7 score at the break.

Q3 saw another Knight touchdown, but it was really the brilliant service from RAF quarterback James Turner that made it look easy for the reigning champions.

The score was 20-7 to the RAF going into the fourth quarter, with the final act of game one producing an exhilarating finish from both teams.

Five touchdowns were scored, Knight with his third, which really showcased his agility and speed with a weaving 70-yard sprint

But at 27-7 down, the Royal Navy put on the best offensive performance we've seen from them in the four years since this tournament began.

Running back Ben Weatherill went over twice for the men in white to bring them within touching distance of the RAF at 27-19.

Under pressure, though, the Mustangs pulled away with another two scores – Knight and Pole combining again for the fifth score of 6 and 1 before the quarterback Pole made an incredible interception to bag one for himself, with a glorious long run to finish the game.

Wide receiver Flight Sergeant Adam Hennessy was full of praise for the RAF Mustangs performance, and in particular Elliott Knight, who said: "He's only been playing the game for a year and his learning curve has been astronomical, what that boy can do with the ball in his hands, he's unbelievable."

Despite another defeat, the Royal Navy's team captain and quarterback, Leading Hand Sam Scott, was pleased with his side and the effort they showed, saying: "It was the most points we've scored offensively, so really happy with that.

"A lot's gone on behind the scenes to build our offense, our scheme, and the development of players. I mean, the majority of our players are still very new to the sport."

A 39-19 win then for the Royal Air Force, but a vast improvement for Royal Navy American Football as they go on to face the Army at Chapel Gate in Bournemouth on 13 March.

The final game between the Army and RAF will be back at Tilsley Park on 27 March.