Army Women 24 - 17 Wales U20s

The Army Women battled to a hard-fought 24-17 home victory against Wales Under 20s in their final game ahead of the Inter-Services Championship.

They fell behind inside four minutes, however, the international side hammering away at the line before finally burrowing over from close range for an unconverted try.

Army responded well, though, and following a sustained spell of territory and possession which saw a Welsh player sin-binned for an infringement near her own try-line, Sgt Lou Dodd (QARANC) levelled matters with a brilliant individual score, blasting her way through a tackle during a 40-metre dash to the line.

LCpl Courtney Pursglove’s (RLC) simple conversion nudged her side in front, and the Red Shirts extended their advantage shortly before half-time as they again benefitted from a numerical advantage before a nice off-load from hooker WO2 Rae Metters (REME) sent SSgt Sarah Batley (AGC (RMP)) under the posts.

The conversion made it 14-5 at the break, and Army made a perfect start to the second period as Dodd’s long pass sent Lt Hannah Gilmour (RE) over on the left.

However, the visitors hit back swiftly, a second close-range score this time added to for a seven-point game.

A well-worked try on the right at the end of the third quarter further reduced the deficit, but Welsh indiscipline then led to a third yellow card, this time for a deliberate knock-on in midfield.

And Army made the most of their advantage, scoring what would be the final try of the game as Pte India (RLC) rumbled over at the back of a powerful rolling maul.

The hosts did have a couple of chances to make things easier, but they were then forced into some resolute defence in the final stages, bundling a Welsh player into touch a metre out before forcing a knock-on just short of the line.

When the resultant scrum was won, the ball was fed back to Dodd who booted it out to end proceedings.

Next up for the women is the Twickenham showdown with Royal Navy on Saturday, May 4, their opponents having lost their opener 34-12 to the Royal Air Force on Saturday.

In the men’s contest, Navy took a dramatic 25-24 victory having led 22-14 at half-time.

Words © Richard Ashton

All images – Alligin Photography © Cat Goryn

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