Royal Navy overwhelmed by second-half Thatto Heath dominance in Challenge Cup exit

The Royal Navy rugby league team have been eliminated from the Challenge Cup at the second round stage following a 32-24 defeat to Thatto Heath Crusaders.

The Navy led 6-4 at half-time, but a five-try flurry from Thatto in the first twenty minutes of the second half took the result away from the military side.

A late fightback saw the Navy score three more tries, but it wasn't enough and the Navy were forced to bow out of the competition.

• What does the Challenge Cup mean to the Royal Navy rugby league players?
• Forces fight night: Watch Royal Navy boxers take on Western Counties live
• Forces football's best young stars: How to watch under-23s Inter Services live

The Navy's try-scorers were Brodie Lee Butler, Rhys Joel, Jack Bartlett and Jack Ray, while Ben Chambers had a successful afternoon with the boot by scoring all four conversions.

For Thatto, Adam Saunders, Dave Pike (2), Paul Hunt and Jamie Holroyd crossed the tryline, with Dan McGahan adding the extras from all but one conversion.