The inaugural match between the RN Women’s XV and the RAF Women’s XV took place recently as the curtain raiser for the senior men’s inter-service match. Both sides were extremely fired-up and the boot of SAC Sarah Francis put the RAF into an early lead with a drop goal from the opposition 22.

Then Fg Off Trudy Winterbone took a quick penalty and sped off down the pitch, with SAC Vicky ‘Chick’ Dillon in support, setting her up to score between the posts, SAC Sarah Francis converting and bringing the score to 10-0. Another penalty for Sarah just before half-time put the RAF into the lead by 13-0. The Navy came back with renewed vigour and eventually broke through to score making it 13-5. Both the RAF wings were then substituted and SAC Mandy Mitchell made her mark, scoring moments after arriving on the pitch. It was the final score of the match and the RAF ran out 18-5 winners.

At Rotherham RFC, the Army Women’s XV produced a very strong performance against the RAF in only the second year of the inter-service match. Both teams showed some excellent rugby skills as the women’s game continues to grow in the Armed Forces. The RAF held the Army well in the first half but the Army’s performance after the break saw them expose gaps in the RAF defence and a series of runaway tries led to a final score of 20-0.