09/10 - Women v Navy (R)
View Photos
The RAF Women kicked off their IS Championship v Royal Navy at HMS Temeraire, Portsmouth at 1600hrs on 10 Apr 2010. After a turbulent and frustrating season coupled with the lack of fixtures and key players serving Out of Area, the RAF Women were prepared to take on the Navy. Coaches Sgt Don Rodd, Sgt Jeff Blinkhorn and Cpl Ross Tarnowski were faced with several hurdles prior to squad selection. One of which found Sgt Steph Carylon stepping into 2nd Row due to Flt Lt Kirsty Meredith sustaining a major knee injury a week prior to the Pre IS Training Camp. This fixture also persuaded Sgt Nat Verner, (Outside Centre) to venture out of semi retirement. Sgt Sally Thornton (Captain) led the girls out into perfect weather conditions.
Right from the offset the RAF took control of the game and remained deep in the Navy 22 for the majority of the first half. 5 mins into the game winger Flt Lt Katie Sharman kicked a penalty to put the first score on the board. The RAF capitalised on the mistakes made by the Navy and produced outstanding displays of strong runs and ball recycling, namely Cpl Lou Redmond, Flt Lt Diana Bird and Sgt Steph Carylon. The Navy, hampered by injuries and players receiving treatment on the pitch slowed the play for the RAF. Sgt Mandy Mitchell was under immense pressure as scrum half but was aided by the support from flanker SAC Laura Stewart whose awareness and rucking made precious yards and quick phases of play.
The RAF owned the Line Outs with 2nd row, Flt Lt Katherine Muir and Flanker Flt Lt Reade, spoiling the majority of the Navy throws, providing the back line with the basis for their set pieces and many crash balls, namely, Full Back Cpl Lou Redmond, Centre Sgt Nat Verner and Fly Half Sgt Nicola Underwood. Newcomer, AC Ruth Wilkinson, reseverved her place on the team by her strong tackling and support play. 20 mins in and the Navy give away yet another penalty which was opened up to the backs where it was unluckily intercepted by the Navy Outside Centre who scored and converted. At restart the RAF were on the defence where a superb double tackle from winger Cpl Julie Crole and No 8 Cpl Sian Williams bounced the Navy into touch on the Navy 22. RAF back line made some sleek phases of play which were only enhanced by Navy errors. This resulted in another penalty in the RAFs favour- kicked and scored by Sharman. With white line fever kicking in, the pressure and frustration mounted as 3 tries were denied by the Referee - the determination and desire paid off as the play between Verner and Wilkinson produced runs from Redmond and Crole and ending in a try from Sharman in the corner. Half Time, RN 7- RAF 11.
Underwood kicked off the second half with the RAF on the defence almost immediately. A few handling errors on both sides slowed play down but SAC Rachel Gianassi found her feet as hooker and the RAF remained dominant in the Line Out. Sharman and Crole made some crucial high ball catches and tackles on each wing and Sgt Sally Thornton showed why she is the captain by producing a storming run 25m up centre field. With 15 mins left SAC Jo Reddaway replaced Carylon and AC Glanville replaced Verner. A penalty move awarded to the Navy in the last 10 mins produced a try and conversion. Final Score, RN 14 - RAF 11
After the game the coaching staffs were impressed by the way the women played due to having such an inconsistant season. The good pressure, possession and support play in the first half was marred by silly mistakes and errors in the second. The need for speedy penalty decisions and awareness to overlapping will be foremost in our focus going into the Army IS fixture at Newbury. Congratulations to 5 new players who received their caps today: SAC Jo Reddaway, AC Rachael Glanville, Cpl Sian Williams, SAC Rachel Gianassi and AC Ruth Wilkinson and Sgt Don Rodd received his Coach colours.