The oldest fixture in Navy Rugby dating from before the first Army Navy Match opened an exciting new chapter for Navy Rugby tonight.
As Devonport Albion and Portsmouth Navy this fixture dates back to the early 1870’s at least. The Inter Port match has ebbed and flowed throughout the intervening years and with both clubs experiencing revivals on and off the field there could be no more fitting match than between these two illustrious clubs to launch the first 3G rugby facility in the Navy and indeed on the South Coast.
Former Navy players Dave Oakley (left) and Si Burns (right) are the drive behind the progress both clubs are making. Devonport captain Richard Young was keen to retain the Inter Port Cup whilst US Portsmouth’s skipper Gareth Guyll hoped that home advantage would tell. Experienced Navy Referee, Tim Bailey, was on hand to ensure that rugby prevailed.
Both sides seemed to enjoy the feel of the 3G surface and had an eye for a gap in the defence.But the surface allows defenders to close those gaps just a little bit quicker!
Still even the big forwards were cutting lines and hitting the ball at pace.Before Devonport Services Sullivan made history by going over the for the first try on the new surface.
He then promptly missed the first kick at goal.Navy U23 scrum half Samuels (playing at fly half) found the surface ideal for his agile play and often had the US Portsmouth defence clutching at straws.and Devonport Services soon found a rhythm and played some good rugby that showed why they are two levels above US Portsmouth in the league structure.A surprising turn of speed by Devonport’s lock saw him round the defence, but …….despite the dive history will not record the name of the second try scorer. Sorry!Great facility. The right teams, played the right match to open it. Devonport Services were worthy 46-5 winners and both teams found that the new pitch does force you to get a blow on. Great opportunity for much more rugby at Burnaby Road and Keyham when they get their facility. And finally, just for the record, the crowd was less that the 73,000 expected at Twickenham tomorrow.
Great article. Devonport were bigger and had some real pace. The US lads stuck at it and made a game of it. Tim did well on the whistle and it was a great experience for players young and old. Nice photos Geriant.
BUrt totally agree with you. US made Devonport work all the way and it was the right match to open this facility. The opportunities it offers are simply excellent. I also think it caps a very good and vibrant season for US Portsmouth. It has been great to here what is happening at the club from minis to seniors. Geraint
Bert, thanks for the kind words but its the players that make the game I just facilitate. The surface is fantastic, I believe it is the first game of 15 a side that I have refereed that have not had any “time offs ” for injury – that is a good advert for the surface! Well done the Royal Navy for the investment.
Burt Reynolds
Great article. Devonport were bigger and had some real pace. The US lads stuck at it and made a game of it. Tim did well on the whistle and it was a great experience for players young and old. Nice photos Geriant.
navyrugby
BUrt totally agree with you. US made Devonport work all the way and it was the right match to open this facility. The opportunities it offers are simply excellent. I also think it caps a very good and vibrant season for US Portsmouth. It has been great to here what is happening at the club from minis to seniors. Geraint
Tim Bailey
Bert, thanks for the kind words but its the players that make the game I just facilitate. The surface is fantastic, I believe it is the first game of 15 a side that I have refereed that have not had any “time offs ” for injury – that is a good advert for the surface! Well done the Royal Navy for the investment.
Burt
Hear hear Tim. I wonder what the stats on 3G injuries are.