RAF rugby league side beat Navy in exciting women's Inter Services opener

The RAF women's rugby league team won a thrilling Inter Services opener against the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.

Leeds Rhinos star Alex Barnes shone for the Air Force with a hat-trick of tries in a 24-20 win.

The Navy pushed them all the way but could not stop the RAF from leaving the South Coast with a victory.

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It was a game full of twists and turns as both sides exchanged the lead on numerous occasions.

The RAF's five tries came from two scorers – Chelcey Greasley's double added to Barnes' impressive haul.

However, the Navy's tries were spread across their team more evenly.

Heather Addison-Prout, Josie Parnaby, Becky Bowskill and Holly Cole were all on the scoresheet but it was not enough for the Navy.

They will hope to get back into the title picture by beating the Army in their next match.