The Army Under 23s were dramatically crowned Inter-Services champions after the RAF defeated Royal Navy 19-13 in the competition finale last night.
The Red Shirts were dependent on the Air Force winning by 14 points or less to win the tournament, and they got their wish as the hosts turned a 14-3 half-time lead into victory at Basingstoke.
It meant the Army took the crown on points difference, finishing on +5 after an opening 15-10 defeat to the Navy was followed up with last week’s 19-9 home triumph against the RAF.
The Navy ended as runners-up with a points difference of -1, while the Air Force (-4) had to settle for third despite their victory.
AIRTPC Percival (AAC) was on hand to collect the trophy for the Red Shirts.
2023 U23s Inter Service Championship Table
| Service | Played | Won | Lost | PF | PA | PD |
| Army | 2 | 1 | 1 | 29 | 24 | 5 |
| Royal Navy | 2 | 1 | 1 | 28 | 29 | -1 |
| Royal Air Force | 2 | 1 | 1 | 28 | 32 | -4 |
Words © Richard Ashton
Header image © Army Rugby Union
Featured image – Alligin Photography © Callum Sanders
