RN Under 23'S

Army 2 - 4 Royal Navy @ Aldershot Military Stadium
Royal Navy 3 - 0 RAF    @ Victory Stadium Portsmouth

The opening fixture of this year’s competition saw the RAF defeat the Army narrowly 1-0 at RAF Cosford, which placed them in poll position. This meant the Army had to win their home game against the RN to have any chance of winning the competition. The game was played in traditional Inter Service style with no quarter being asked or given. Both teams had players sent off but the RN after being pegged back from an early lead eventually came through to win the game 4-2. This set up the final game in Portsmouth as a winner takes match. Both sides nullified each other till the last third when the Navy edged in front which gave them the momentum eventually going on to win the match 3-0, which on reflection was a little flattering however did not stop the jubilant scenes that followed. Team manager WO Marty Wallace, was as expected very pleased with the result and commented “The preparation this year had been first class integral to the team’s performance on the pitch. The commitment of both players and staff  throughout the season had been exceptional and everyone through the winning of Championship had been rewarded for this”

RN  Women

Royal Navy 0 - 0 Army    @ RNAS Yeovilton
RAF 1 - 1 Royal Navy     @ RAF Cosford

The Royal Navy Women’s Football Team were once again undefeated at the Inter-Services, but unfortunately could not do enough to secure the cup.  After a hard fought draw against the Army at RNAS Yeovilton, it came down to the final match against the RAF where only a win for the RN would secure success.  Post a dominant first half, the RN came out for the final 45 minutes full of confidence and with a dogged determination to the seal victory.  A 65^th minute goal from AB Boylan put the visitors deservedly ahead, with the chance to make history within reach.  After a controversial decision by the referee, which saw the RN go down to 10 players, the Navy were up against it with 20 minutes still to play.  They fought bravely for the remainder of the match, but unfortunately could not prevent the RAF from equalising and consequently stealing a draw and the Inter-Service title.  Although a bitter pill to swallow, the RN ladies gave a fantastic account of themselves during both fixtures and will be back next year to challenge for the elusive Inter-Service trophy again. 

RN  Men

Royal Navy 0 - 4 Army    @ Huish Park - Yeovil Town FC
RAF 1 - 0 Royal Navy     @ Shrewsbury Town FC

Preparation for the Inter Service Championship was very good with recent victories over Brighton FC youth and Jersey FA. The team were in good spirit ahead of the first fixture against the Army. The RN started slightly nervous with an expected scrappy opening 10 minutes, however it was the Army team that grew in confidence creating some really good chances, LAET Roy Emmerson was the hero of the first half as he saved 3 glorious opportunities to keep the score 0-0 at half time. The RN did have an excellent chance to get their noses in front however ETME Al Sneddon shot wide when presented with the chance. The Army continued to dominate in the second half and it was no surprise when they went ahead 10 minutes later, when a cross come shot was steered into the back of the net, with calls for offside the goal was given. Minutes later it got worse for the RN as a free kick from 25 yards out was dispatched with precision and power to give the RN keeper no chance and double the score. The RN did not give up and fought to the bitter end however the Army did add two more goals ensuring the score finished 4-0. The RN man of the match was LLOGS Shawn Benjamin. Post match RNFA President Vice Admiral Clive Johnstone CB, CBE (Pictured Right) presented Yeovil Town FC Vice Chairman David Lee with a silver salver as a thank you to the club for hosting this years home fixture for the RN.

Unfortunately the Inter Service Championship had already been decided prior to this game as the Army won both fixtures. However it would still be an opportunity to beat an old rival. Same with the previous fixture, the RN were quick to get into stride and caused the RAF many problems in every area of the pitch with half chances to CPL Ben Hebditch and CPL Shea Saunders. It was clear the RN were on top and then after 30 minutes of play the RAF landed a killer blow against the run of play when a driven cross was met at the far post for a tap in to give the home team an undeserved lead. The score at half time was 1-0 but that did not worry the RN as they showed great belief to get back into the game again creating more chances to draw level. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be as CPOET Andrew Todd was inches away from connecting with crosses on two occasions when the goal was at his mercy. The RN will be disappointed with the result, but it wasn’t down to a lack of effort, the showed true grit and determination, the score finished 1-0 to the hosts. The RN man of the match was POPT Ben Booker.

After the fixture the Team Manager Lt Fraser Quirke was presented by his Assistant WO Paul Willetts with a framed shirt as it was planned for him to stand down due to his impending departure of the RN on the horizon. Fraser who boasts over 100 caps as a player has been a complete success winning the competition as both player and manager. The RNFA thanked him for his services to RN football and wish him the very best for the future.