Navy women play in friendly fixture ahead of Twickenham showdown
The Royal Navy Rugby Women's XV played Hampshire RFU in a friendly fixture as the dark blues prepare for their Inter Services showdown against the Army at Twickenham.
Played at Petersfield RFC, the Navy women had to settle for a 22-15 loss against the ladies from Hampshire RFU.
It was left-wing Abigail Ashby who got herself on the scoresheet twice with two tries against a formidable Hampshire side.
The Navy started off well after Hampshire found themselves offside which awarded the dark blues a penalty, which Chloe Sopp converted in front of the posts to put the Navy 0-3 up.
After Hampshire scored three tries in the opening first half, the Navy found themselves 17-3 down by halftime as they looked to regroup for the second half.
It didn't take long for the Navy to finally have their way as Abigail Ashby scored a try after a courageous run down the left to put the Navy closer to Hampshire by 17-8.
Hampshire quickly recovered, however, with a try of their own to distance themselves at 22-8.
The Navy responded with a huge pass by Sam Alderson over the rush defence, opening the door for Ashby to once again come away with the score, putting the Navy back in the game with a converted try.
But with 10 minutes remaining, there just was not enough time for the dark blues to recover from a slow start to the game and they settled for a 22-15 loss to Hampshire.
The Navy will face a strong Army team at Twickenham for the final round of the Inter Services on 13 May.
The Navy had a strong showing against the Royal Air Force in Plymouth in the opening round, despite a 10-17 loss.
FT
— Royal Navy Rugby (@RNRugby) April 26, 2023
? 22 - 15 ⚓
Hants rode the pressure and stopped #NavyRugby on the line again!
Tough loss but a great game.#GoNavypic.twitter.com/7XciFB373R
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