British Army's Championship South season begins with late Cardiff Demons defeat

The British Army rugby league team have opened up their women's Championship South campaign with a narrow 38-34 defeat to Cardiff Demons.

The match, which was played at Camberley RFC, is the first match in the new updated league format for the competition which sees promotion to the Women's Super League as the aim for the winners.

• President's Cup: Five stars who could shine for UKAF against the Dutch
• Army veteran Sally Orange to run world's highest marathon dressed as a lemon
• A champion returns: RAF women's football team announce new head coach

Kira Fitzpatrick's stunning try and a terrific first-half performance were the highlights for the Army, but a second-half Cardiff rally led to defeat when they scored an 80th minute winner.

You can watch highlights from the match, courtesy of Army Rugby League, in our featured video above.

The Army will look to bounce back in the competition when they take on London Broncos in Camberley on Saturday.

Cover image: Ella Donnelly playing for the Army against the RAF in 2023. (Picture: Army Rugby League/John Shirras)