Captains React To Fiery Army Vs RAF Rugby League Thriller
An Army vs RAF clash is "always a battle" said Army men's team captain Staff Sergeant Jordan Kerman after a fiery rugby league encounter in Warrington.
The Army edged a close match which saw the RAF push them right until the final whistle.
The action broke out into a giant brawl in the second half which resulted in two men being sent off.
"We said all week that these boys don't go away," said SSgt Kerman. "It doesn't matter what team is fielded, when the RAF turn up, we know it's always going to be a battle.
"They caught us off guard first half again, then it started going our way and then back to their way.
"When there were two points in it at the end, I had flashbacks to three years ago when they did us over.
"We managed to get over the line in the end," he added.
Watch: Highlights – British Army Men 24-16 RAF.
The match saw an improved performance from the RAF, who were soundly beaten in the first match of this 2021 series.
Corporal Ben Mellor, the RAF men's team captain, said: "A close game again. They pipped us at the end.
"A tough game but good fun.
"We were training this week picking up on what could be done differently.
"It obviously showed tonight and I think we surprised them a little bit at parts."
In the women's match, the Army, who were Super League South finalists, fought off a spirited performance from an RAF/Navy hybrid team.
The ladies in red suffered an early scare when they fell behind, but they lived up to their tag as heavy favourites by controlling the game from there.
"We've been in the unfortunate position, unlike the Army who have been playing in the Super League South, that we haven't been able to have any fixtures because of COVID," said RAF women's team captain, Flight Lieutenant Linda Mclean.
"Today was a bit more of a polished performance and an opportunity to show what we've learned over the last couple of weeks.
"I think the girls enjoyed the composure today a little bit more.
"Overall, a strong performance across 80 minutes."
Watch: Highlights – British Army Women 32-6 RAF/Royal Navy.
It was a job well done from the Army and for their captain, Corporal Emily White, a chance to make a claim for higher stakes in next year's match.
She said: "I’d say the win today wasn't in our normal style. I think lots of the girls came out with loads of energy and really riled to play the game and that caused us a few errors – especially in the play the ball and some knock-ons.
"Obviously, we've done enough to win so I'm really happy with the girls."
She went on: "Unfortunately, no trophy because it's not classed as the Inter Services.
"Hopefully, they're going to make one next year for a special game of the Army versus the RAF.
"I think that's a real big development for the women's sport."
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