For only the second time in my Naval career (26 years since you ask) the Navy senior side competed the double over the Varsity Blues. If the home win over Oxford (10-0) @ Burnaby Rd was a stop start scratchy affair then this was a belter. A 31-15 win away from home in a performance graced with fluidity, strong defence and sound set play. All any team can hope for is to improve from game to game. In two weeks this was a giant step forward for the Navy as they look to the 2012 Inter Services, a hard fixture away to the Marine Nationale in Toulon and of course the season finale, the Army v Navy match at Twickenham.
The forwards set the tone for the evening and for me were responsible for one of the best tries. Good set piece, effective maul, try scored. Simple but effective rugby.
From the out set the Navy looked strong in the carry and this was carried on by the replacements as the game wore on.
The backs showed variety, purpose and pace in attack (most of the time).
For me many players put their hands up to be Man of the Match. Senior players Dale Sleeman, Kyle Mason, Sam Laird, Ian Cooper, Ben Priddey and Marsh Cormack all gave everything skipper Dave Pascoe and DoR Andy Kellet could have asked for, but for me……..
Next up it is Esher on Wednesday 7 March @ Esher. This should prove to be another high tempo thriller and the Navy will need to show that they can perform when confronted with greater physicality at the breakdown. Should be a good challenge.
The full match report is on the Royal Navy Rugby Union website, click here.
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