The RFL

The Army proved to be too strong for a spirited RAF side in an exciting Armed Forces clash at Aldershot.

The hosts went into the clash as overwhelming favourites, however the RAF immediately applied the pressure and for the first quarter of the encounter had the upper hand.

After soaking up the pressure the first points of the game came via an Army try, although to their credit the setback refused to dampen the RAF’s enthusiasm, especially when they received a further blow as prop Matty Snape had to leave the field.

A number of unforced errors and slack handling led to the Army handing over possession and as a result the RAF were able to hit back with their first four pointer.

After a successful conversion had inched the RAF in front the Army hit back with a clever try following a cross field kick and although the extras were again missed it meant they would enter the dressing rooms 8-6 at the interval.

After conceding a try so late in the first half the RAF were looking to make amends in the second 40, however their plans were undone immediately as the Army increased their advantage in the first passage of play.

Not to be outdone the RAF responded and despite the Army hitting back the game went into the final quarter still in the balance at 22-14.

The game then turned a little edgy with both sides making basic errors and despite cries from the RAF Regt coach FS Dave Mortimer to control the ball and minimize the penalties it went unheard.

In a true war of attrition the valiant visitors began to fade in the last five minutes and the fresher legs of the Army ran in three unanswered tries to leave the final score 34-22.

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