Army v RAF Match Reaction from Army Women's Director of Rugby Lt Col Ann O'Flynn

Director of Women’s Rugby, Lt Col Ann O’Flynn was beaming after the Army overturned a 19-7 deficit to win the Inter-Services Championship with a brilliant 36-19 success against the Royal Air Force at Kingsholm.

Despite SSgt Sarah Batley (AGC (RMP)) giving the visitors an early lead, they found themselves in big trouble after half-an-hour, Flt Lt Amy Cockayne, Cpl Kathryn Robinson and Flt Lt Carys Williams-Morris all touching down as AS1 Daisy Fahey added a couple of conversions.

However, a brace from Lt Hannah Gilmour (RE) and a Sgt Lou Dodd (QARNC) conversion made it a two-point game at the interval, second-half tries from player-of-the-match Capt Sally Bellhouse (RAVC), skipper SSgt Jade Mullen (AGC (SPS)) and Sgt Heidi Silcox (RAMC) sealing the deal.

Ann started: “I’m delighted – the team have worked so hard to win the competition. It’s the pinnacle of the whole season and it’s a credit to them that following the work they’ve put in, the way they came out and delivered was fantastic.

“The three services like to pummel each other to death to try and come out with a bit of pride, and our team showed what that looks like.

“To see the Championship have such an enthralling, close, back-and-forth game on the last day of the competition, it’s a pleasure to be a part of.

“There were tries, tackles, high drama and I wish I was still on the pitch because I’m a rubbish spectator!”

She continued: “The Air Force really brought their game – they challenged us on the try-line, at the line-out and set-piece, and in open play, they made some fantastic breaks as well as taking some great chances.

“All credit to them, they were an equal part in a fantastic match, and I’d like to say well done to their coaching team and players for their effort and quality.”

Returning to her own troops, Ann was quick to praise a huge team effort as she ended: “Women’s rugby has been growing in the Forces for the last 25, 30 years, and the Army have always been at the forefront of that, trying to push it forward.

“It’s a long season and it’s not just the 23 players, it’s the support staff, those players who are reserves, those who have been involved throughout the season.

“The squad is not just those on the pitch and I want to thank the Commanding Officers, the Foundations who’ve released players for training and matches throughout the season – it’s all about putting the Army at the top of our performance, and a team trophy.”