Royal Navy U23s lose first match of rugby union season

The Royal Navy under-23s rugby union team have lost the opening match of the season against Havant.

A 24-19 defeat saw the Navy push their opponents to the limit, but fall to defeat at the end.

Navy try-scorers included Charlie Davis, Maitland Criddle and Johnny Evans with Dan Palmer converting.

A minute's silence was held prior to the match to pay tribute to Able Seaman Steffan Rees, who died in France where he had been playing for UK Armed Forces Rugby during the Forces World Cup.

The U23s play away to Bristol University on 20 September, with their Inter Service fixture being against Army U23 on 22 November in Portsmouth.

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