UKAF top their pool following a trying game against mighty Zambian side
The UK Armed Forces women's rugby team have officially topped Pool A after a trying 32-22 victory against Zambia at the 2025 International Defence Rugby Competition.
Ahead of this game, UKAF had not conceded a single point in the Pool stages but were expecting a big test against against the Zambians who had put on an electric performance against Tonga last week.
Flankler Ellie Brightwell scored the opening try for UKAF, with Rebecca DeFilippo adding the extras with the conversion.
India King and Bethan Dainton scored further tries for UKAF to put them up on 17-0 going into half time.
The Zambians had proved threatening throughout the entirety of the first half and that showed immediately at the start of the second half when right wing Leah Mbukwa dove over following a great run from their number 8 Margaret Chama.
UKAF responded well with both Kim Grundy and Sarah Batley going over the try line to cover off the threat from the Zambians.
But the visiting side came back with another try from fly-half Lushomo Luwena, whose lightning quick tap and go caught UKAF napping at the wrong moment.
Full-back Jasmine Abel also got on the score sheet for UKAF, but the Zambians were the team carried the momentum by scoring two more tries for the visiting side from Chilembo and Liwena.
At full time, UKAF emerged as the victors with a 32-22 victory over Zambia to top Pool A.
Zambia earn a bonus point for scoring four tries, but their place in the semi final will be determined after Ireland take on Tonga.
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