Royal Air Force stuns Royal Navy in major upset as champions lose in Portsmouth
The Royal Air Force men's rugby league team have clinched the first win of the Inter Services by defeating the reigning champions the Royal Navy in a major upset.
The Navy were seen as favourites ahead of their quest to achieve a third Inter Services title this year, but the light blues, under new head coach James Hutchinson, were never going to be an easy opponent.
The Navy had to break through a strong RAF defence in the opening minutes of the game, eventually crashing through eighteen minutes in with Tu Roko Kurusasa getting the Navy's first point on the board.
The RAF soon responded with Keiron Prescott getting a converted try on the board and taking the lead away from the home team.
As the clock ran down to half time, the Navy thought they had a second try on the board, but it wasn't to be however as the referee disallowed the try and the score remained at 4-6.
The second half began as the first half left off, both teams grappling for ball possession but unable to break through their opposite team's defences.
RAF captain Liam Bradley found a way though at the sixty-one minute mark, bagging a converted try to extend the light blue's lead.
The Navy were quick to respond however, as a penalty from the restart saw James Teixeira cut through the RAF defence to close the gap to the RAF.
But as the clock ran down to full time, the Navy fall short with points left on the table and the RAF take an 8-12 win ahead of their home fixture against the Army in Wakefield on 27 September.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
