Ten Years, Ten Titles, ‘Ten’ Targetted

The Women’s Inter Service Rugby Championship celebrated the culmination of its tenth year on 28th April and the Army should be congratulated on the continuation of their unbroken run.

Sarah Jenkins receives prolonged treatment with a concerned skipper (Charlie Fredrickson) and Paula Bennett-Smith looking on

However the matches over the last few years have been far from easy for them and again they had to play well and never really subdued the Navy team until a dangerous tackle left Sarah Jenkins on the turf for a length of time with a neck injury.  Long stoppages in the cold and wet are not easy to manage and in the last eight minutes, after the stoppage,  the Army ran in 17 points to give the 49 – 5 score line a flattering look.

Another player who took a bit of a battering during the match was Navy player of the match (and Roger Sherratt Trophy winner) Loz Morton.  On a few occasions she was left on the turf due to a mixture of her ferociously competitive play and also the most legally targeting she received from the Army back row and defence generally.  It is a testament to the wide respect she is earning that teams are now planning such a welcoming committee!  Loz will only get better, stronger and more physical as she  develops as a player – opposition stand by.

Lauren Morton patched up by Amy Eastmond (Navy Physio) with help from the Army Physio

 Women’s Game Continues to Develop

Six New Caps - Charlotte Lewis, Helen Leach, Sarah Jenkins, Lavinia Vakuruivalu, Lauren Morton and team captain Charlotte Fredrickson

A number of players enhanced their reputation on Saturday.  Picking out individuals in a team sport is always fraught with danger.  However six Navy players were winning their first cap so also in tribute for this and their excellent play in a losing cause I have picked some of my highlights.

Helen Leach

Helen Leach supports Charlie Lewis
Key ball carrier for the team
Excellent work rate in support
More ball carrying
Awarded her cap as RN(W)'s 10nth capped player

Charlotte Fredrickson (Captain)

Charlie again led by example
Committed in defence
RN(W)'s 8th capped player

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charlie Lewis

Charlie Lewis significant defence all match
which didn't let up when she moved from flanker to hooker
RN(W)'s 9th capped player

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Jenkins

Jenks had few opportunities to run
and did her fair share of the close quarter work
Back smiling after her injury and the RN(W)'s 12th capped player

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lavinia Vakuruivalu

V's strength in defence was often on call
she also showed that she is a balanced and agile runner with the ball
Unlucky for some - V becomes RN(W)'s 13th capped player

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren Morton – Roger Sherratt Trophy Winner

Lauren 'Loz" Morton with the Roger Sherratt Trophy

Loz was rightly awarded the prestigious Roger Sherratt Trophy for her performances in both Inter Service matches.

Loz attracting attention from the Army defence
Head down as she heads in to the heart of the battle
Clearing possession
On another sniping run
Eyeing the opposition
The RN(W)'s 11th capped player with a deserved 'nip' against the cold

 

Sam Cuff

The last match for Sam as he stood down from the position of RN(W) Head Coach.  During his time he has over seen significant progress in the Navy Women’s game and will be greatly missed by the RN(W).  He moves over to the Navy Sharks and I am sure his success will continue.

Sam Cuff

 

The Final Word

Looking forward to 2013

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