The Royal Navy Rugby Union has had three scheduled games in 2003 all of which were affected by weather in one way or another.

The first was actually cancelled because of heavy rain in late January, the second was a 36-17 loss to a spirited Somerset County side and the third, was a heavy 50 points to 8 defeat to Oxford University at the beginning of February.

The very cold and icy wind that blew in from the north at Taunton against Somerset had a significant impact on the game.

Unfortunately, even though the Navy were playing with the wind behind them in the first half, they could not take advantage of the conditions.

The wind was worth at least 14 points, and after good tries by Andy Evans (HMS Flying Fox) and James Phillips (CTCRM) they only led 17-5 at half time.

Somerset had read the conditions better and scored four unanswered tries in the second half, leaving the Navy wondering where it had all gone wrong.

Significantly, though, the quality of players in the Somerset side was impressive, and the team included Mike Lowis, who has recently been awarded a contract with Rugby League’s London Broncos.

ROYAL NAVY: Channing, Sulivan, Crompton, Hearsay, Phillips (Main 43), Evans (Clark 40), Pascoe (Salmon 40), Bartlett, Slater, Court (Gent 45), Cormack, Hyde, Jerold (Parker 40) Salama, Parker (Readwin 40); Replacements: Hewitt, Thompson, Vance, Cavanagh, Brock, Williams, Parry.

The game at Oxford University earlier this month was played on a bitterly cold night that literally had the pitch freezing over as the teams played.

A pitch inspection before the game by match officials and representatives of both sides deemed that the pitch was playable, but that it would be reviewed throughout the game.

The first half was a rout. The sheer quality, pace, class and skill of the University stunned the Navy into disbelief. Navy full back Roger Readwin (BRNC) defended gallantly, but could not keep out the rampage.

Second row forward Del Cross (Bristol Careers) made good yards for the Navy up the centre, but was left isolated as the rest of the team caught up, and winger Andy Vance (HMS Sultan) also showed potential on his debut.

But Oxford’s class, with nine ‘Blues’ and a cohesive team, could not be thwarted. Oxford’s O’Mahoney got a hat-trick of tries; Rubie got a brace; skipper and No 8 Ben Durham, and fly half Matt Honeyben got one apiece.

At the start of the second half, with the pitch looking almost snow-covered, the referee had a long consultation with the touch judges. Play resumed and the Navy finally picked up a gear or two.

Taking advantage of a missed knock-on fly half Paul Clark (BRNC) took the ball 20 metres towards the Oxford line. His pass was good, but the next pass to winger Dave Jones (HMS Newcastle), in space and sure to score, was clearly forward and the referee pulled them back.

The Navy immediately surged forward again and realised their way to score against this team was to ruck and maul and shove the maul as far as they could.

Close to Oxford’s line they did just that and came away with a well earned five points with Del Cross claiming the touchdown.

After another consultation of match officials in the middle it was decided to abandon the game due to a frozen pitch after just 58 minutes with the score at Oxford University 50 Royal Navy 8.

At least the Navy had finished the game with the momentum, which was good for morale. This was a defeat by a far superior side that were pleasing to watch, with some skilful rugby players, that we may see more of in the future.

ROYAL NAVY: Channing, Vance, Brock (Over 40), Evans, Jones, Clark, Pascoe, Bartlett, Slatter, Parkes, Cordner, Cross, Salama, Jerrold, Readwin. Replacements: Court, Cavanagh, Salmon, Parry, Hewitt, McHardy.