RAF battle through wet and muddy conditions to beat Army in Inter Services rugby opener

The RAF caused a major upset in the Under-23s Inter Services rugby union championships after defeating the reigning champions, the Army.

Tricky weather conditions at Witney RFC provided a challenging clash for both sides, which ended with a 7-8 win for the Air Force.

The Army scored the only converted try in the first half of the game to give them a 7-0 lead, leaving the RAF on the back foot coming into the second half.

• 2022 CGS Army Sports Awards: How to watch
• Former Navy rugby players cycle a million metres in memory of Navy colleague
• Kate and William wish Army's Polar Preet good luck as she sets off on next Antarctic expedition

After the restart, the RAF scored their first try but failed to convert it to level the score.

But with penalties mounting up for the Army, the reds found themselves reduced to fourteen players for two 10-minute periods. 

The RAF capitalised and when a penalty kick scored them three points in the final stages, they took a 7-8 lead.

At the final whistle, the RAF walked away victorious as they now turn their attention towards their next fixture - the Navy in Havant next Wednesday - where they have the chance to win the championship.

The Army will look to make amends in their match against the Navy in Aldershot in two weeks' time.