Army Men players Rfn Imi Qorowale (2 Rifles), LCpl Solodrau Radianirova (REME) and full back Pte Adriu Muritoki (3 Scots) were all at the double as the UK Armed Forces crushed a North of England Select XV 90-15 at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Stadium.
The three-quarters were joined on the scoresheet by fellow Red Shirt Cpl Epeli Kotobalavu (RLC), while Navy debutant Kane Teear-Bourge helped himself to a hat-trick.
His service teammate Kristan Dobson bagged a brace as Scott Makepeace also touched down, the RAF’s Ryan Crowley completing the 14-try haul in a game his side led 31-10 at the interval.
Other Army involvement saw back rows LBdr Nick Wilson-Murray (RA) and LBdr Shane Nayalo (RA) start along with fly-half Spr Jack Johnson (RE), the latter striking a series of conversions.
Hooker and vice-captain SSgt Gareth Smith (R Welsh), debutant SSgt Ashley Horner (REME), second row LCpl Kurtis Booth (RE) and scrum-half LCpl Mikey McDonald (RE) were introduced from the bench along with Qorowale, while Lt Col Tim Osman (RA) was Head Coach.
In the women’s game, LCpl Millie Williams (AGC (RMP)) and Capt Sally Bellhouse (RAMC) grabbed two tries apiece to fire their side to a 38-5 triumph.
Skipper SSgt Jade Mullen (AGC (SPS) grabbed the final try with the other coming from Navy debutant Rowann Sinclair, RAF ace Daisy Fahey with four conversions.
There was a strong Red Shirt presence in the side with forwards Cpl Becky Wilson (RLC), Pte India King (RLC), Cpl Sophie Benavent (QARANC), Sgt Heidi Silcox (RAMC), Spr Lauren Brooks (RE) and Bdr Amy Reynolds (RA) among 12 to go from the start.
They were joined by Williams, Mullen, Gnr Amy Carr (RA), Lt Hannah Gilmour (RE) and LBDR Charlotte Tweddle (RA), with WO2 Rae Metters (REME), WO2 Natalie Lewis (R Sigs), GDSM Manuqalo Komaitai (IG) and Maj Gemma Pearson (RLC) coming off the bench for WO2 Sarah Mitchelson’s (RLC) side.
Both matches were played as fundraisers for Military Versus Cancer.
Words © Richard Ashton
All images – Alligin Photography © Craig Watson
