Northumbrian Gunner: May 2024

The annual Army v Navy rugby game took place at Twickenham on 3rd May. The occasion bringing together 46,000 members of the Armed Forces community.

East Stand Pub to enjoy the pre match hospitality.

Twickenham Stadium East Stand Pup

Rugby World Cup Winners 2003

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The Royal Artillery were well represented in the Army squad of 23 players providing seven players for the match as well as the Director of Rugby and Head Coach.

Army V Navy 2024

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The Navy opened strongly going ahead after five minutes with a converted try. Two further tries followed and the Navy were ahead 17-0 after fifteen minutes. Their lead was extended to 22 points before Lance Bombardier Senitiki Nayalo (7 RHA) scored the Army's first points with a try. The Navy would score another converted try before half time to lead 29-5 at half time.

Army V Navy 2024 half time Army 5 Navy 24

Whilst the Army were AWOL in the first half, they energised at the start of the second half. Lance Bombardier Senitiki Nayalo was once again on the score sheet with a second try which was converted to narrow the Navy lead to 29 to 12. The Army continued to apply pressure which resulted in a try by Sapper Johnson (RE) ... Navy 29 Army 17. The Army's revival continued, Staff Sergeant Horner (5 Rifles) driving over the line to score a try which was converted. The Army's 19 point start to the second half bringing the score to Navy 29 Army 24.

It was then the Navy's turn to get back on a scoreboard. A penalty to the Navy made the score 32 to 24 in the their favour. The Navy then extended their score to 39 points with a converted try... 39 to 24. The Army responded with Lance Bombardier Senitiki Nayalo scoring his third try for a hattrick which was converted to bring the Army to 31 points. The Navy were able to add 3 points with a penalty in the 76th minute.

With four minutes to go the Navy were leading 42 to 31 and it looked like the Senior Service would emerge victorious. An Army counter attack and a try by Lance Corporal Solodrau Radianirova (REME) narrowed the score to Navy 42 Army 38. That was the score as the clock reached 80 minutes and it seemed the match was over.......................

However, the Army were awarded a penalty and kicked for touch. From the lineout they were able to gather the ball and a break through the Navy defence on the halfway line. A pass out to Rifleman Vereimi Qorowale (2 Rifles and a Newcastle Falcons player) resulted in a try in overtime to clinch the game by one point.