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.
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.
Women’s Game Continues to Develop
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
Charlotte Fredrickson (Captain)
Charlie Lewis
Sarah Jenkins
Lavinia Vakuruivalu
Lauren Morton – Roger Sherratt Trophy Winner
Loz was rightly awarded the prestigious Roger Sherratt Trophy for her performances in both Inter Service matches.
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.
The Final Word
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