UKAF are overpowered by England Students in try-fest on the eve of IDRC

UK Armed Forces women endured a tough evening in Aldershot as they were comprehensively beaten by England Students in their final warm-up match on the eve of the International Defence Rugby Competition.

The power of the visitors was evident from the first whistle – UKAF trailed 20-0 after just 25 minutes – thanks to the power of the England Students' pack at the breakdown, supplemented by outstanding pace and footwork by the backs in white.

Grace White opened the scoring in the first couple of minutes, followed by a superb Ellen Scantlebury hat-trick.

• 'Give them hell!' Amy Cokayne tells UKAF to bring trophy home ahead of IDRC 2025
• Can the IDRC and the Rugby World Cup inspire the next generation of female players?
• International Defence Rugby Competition 2025: Fixtures, results and schedule

UKAF had their chances, but loose handling proved costly.

When the purple response came, Daisy Aspinall went over for the first of her two tries, helped by a great pass from Lucy Nye to set her on her way. 

The crowd were left awestruck by the brilliance of Grace White's second try as she charged through the whole of the UKAF defence to score a fifth before half time, to leave the score 27-5. 

The free scoring continued after the break with Amy Dale and Daniella Preece adding two more converted scores, before a second breathtaking run from White to complete her hat trick. Charlie-Mai Manns added the extras for 48-5. 

The team in white crossed the 50-point mark, courtesy of Ellie Scantlebury's excellent fourth try.

UKAF then reduced the deficit, as Orla Proctor showed her power after sustained pressure, and Daisy Fahey converted successfully to boost the score to 55-12. 

Eloise Harrisadded the tenth students' try before Aspinall's second score for UKAF.

There was time for more tries – Zoe Dare went through for the 11th score for the students, Rowann Sinclair pulled one back for the home side, then Manns added her own converted score on the final whistle.

The heavy defeat leaves plenty for head coach Sarah Mitchelson to digest and work on with her players before they take on Tonga in their opening IDRC fixture on 17 August.