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The match report for the fixture against the Royal Navy is provided courtesy of the RAF News. The fixture was played at Newbury Rugby Club on 22 April 2009. (Shaun Hesmondhalgh - Players' Manager)

BRAVE and battling throughout RAF rugby shook off ignominious defeats in the competition openers at the hands of the Army recently, to put in good shows against the Navy. Opening the 'Festival of rugby' at Newbury Rugby Club last week, a
shell-shocked association saw the men's veteran side surrender their Inter-Services crown with a 13-41 defeat. Following that the Ladies team valiantly shrugged off their 72-0 mauling at Aldershot, to win comfortably 36-0 against a strong Navy
side.

A buoyant men's senior side took to field desperate to avenge their 67-11 thrashing against the Army, with assistant Coach Flt Lt Peter Taylor, Cpl Gareth Spain and Sqn Ldr Matt Cornish all taking part in their last games for the RAF all wanting to leave on a high and vanquish the memory of the IS opener. While Flg Off Gareth Jacobs won his first cap.

Bolstered by some excellent defensive work throughout, the RAF men saw some excellent kicking from Cpl Phil Thomas, who kicked 15 of the 20 RAF points, remained within one score of the RN until the final quarter, when a try sealed the win for the visitors. A spokesman for the side said: "This was a much improved performance in all areas. Our upfront tackling was excellent and this gave us a great foundation. We challenged throughout, our tactics worked well and the lads showed great commitment."

Hitting the RN in every area of the pitch, slowing them down in mauls, rucks and from line-outs a more composed RAF side led by No8 Sqn Ldr Howard Parr and inspired by Sqn Ldr Matt Cornish, playing his final game in the light blue, kept the half-time score to 15-9.

Within seconds of the restart the RN conceded a penalty in-front of their posts, which the RAF took advantage of, to bring the score to within three points, the closest they would come. Further Navy scores meant the RAF men were always playing catch-up, but they were teasingly within touching distance and a long period of heavy tackling saw Parr run in a try after breaking free from a midfield full of bodies.

Having kept the score at 27-20 for a long period, a sublime RN converted try, ran in from 30-yards, with three minutes left.

The RAF Seniors men will now take part in their end of season tour in New Zealand starting this week. They will play against the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Match report provided courtesy of the RAF News.