RAF deny Royal Navy an early Inter Services title win after enthralling clash in Wakefield

The Royal Air Force have denied the Royal Navy the chance to seal the Inter Services title with a narrow 18-16 victory at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, the home of Wakefield Trinity. 

The defending champions, the RAF and the Navy scored three tries each, with only a missed conversion by the Royal Navy separating the two teams. 

The Navy, known as the Band of Brothers, arrived at Wakefield fresh off their 20-10 win over the British Army in Portsmouth, as the RAF entered the Inter Services looking to stop the Navy's momentum.

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But the team who gained the early momentum was the RAF with Kieron Prescott going over to score the opening try and Cam Lees adding the extras. 

The Band of Brothers were quick to respond, however, with Gavin Duffy going over minutes later, but no conversion means the Navy trailed the RAF at 6-8. 

Moments later, the RAF pushed the Navy back into their 20. The Navy failed to intercept a loose ball, which was picked up by Nathan Barker, and took his easy pickings to score another converted try.

In the latter stages of the second half, the RAF were carrying the momentum as Tyler Richardson collected a brilliant offload and broke through the Navy defence. 

Robinson then offloaded to Prescott, who ran the remaining 40 metres to score his second try of the game. 

The RAF led 18-4 at the end of the first half. 

The Navy returned in the second half looking to reset and get their game back on track, and it took minutes for Luke Baird to barrage his way through the RAF defence to score a second try for the Navy, with Rhys Joel slotting in the conversion. 

With 10 minutes remaining, the Navy were over the whitewash again with Kimi Dakuliga scoring a third try for the Senior Service, and Joel adding the extras to narrow the scoreline to 18-16. 

The Navy came close to scoring again, but the RAF defence held up in the final tense minutes of the game and pushed the Navy back away from their 20. 

Both teams were under immense pressure in the final moments, but as the full-time whistle sounded, the team in light blue would deny the Navy the chance to seal the Inter Services title at Wakefield with a 18-16 victory. 

The title race will move to Hull Kingston Rovers on 28 September, where the RAF and the Army will play for the Inter Services title.