A final scoreline of 32-16 to the Army does not tell the whole story of the Navy’s efforts in the highlight of the Services’ rugby union season.

For much of the game at Twickenham, the Babcock Trophy was well within the Navy’s grasp as they led their old enemy.

A crowd of 44,000 turned out to see the traditional rugby season climax under overcast skies, and it was the Army who opened the scoring on nine minutes with a penalty after the Dark Blues collapsed a scrum.

But LAEM Dave Pascoe, of HMS Sultan, levelled the scores with a kick of his own after fine work by Dave Sibson and Matt Parker.

The soldiers regained the lead when continued pressure ended with prop Steve Tretheway forcing his way over, but Pascoe reduced the deficit with another penalty on 27 minutes.

From the kick-off the soldiers were driven back by relentless Navy pressure, ending with Royal Marine Capt Matt Parker touching down after a rolling maul, with Pascoe’s trusty boot converting.

But the Army had the last say of the first half, with a penalty on the stroke of half time pegging the Senior Service’s lead back to 13-11.

It was 15 minutes into the second half before more points were added to the board, this time from the boot of S/Lt Tim Southall and a drop goal from outside the Army’s 22.

But that was the high point of the Navy’s match.

Isoa Damudamu ran over and Mal Roberts converted on 68 minutes to give the Army a two-point lead, and as the Navy team visibly tired in the closing ten minutes, the soldiers ran in two converted tries without answer – notably a 60-yard run by Bruno Green.

“The final score flattered the Army,” said RNRU spokesman Dave Philpott.

“The RN squad can be justly proud of their achievements. Their spirit and determination deserved greater recognition. 18-16 would have been a much more accurate reflection of the match.

“There were encouraging signs that RNRU is indeed alive and on the up. Given this year’s experience, the newcomers will look to next season’s game with even more determination.”

Sky TV Man of the Match was C/Sgt Bob Armstrong (40 Cdo); RN Man of the Match was PO(WEA) Simon Burns (HMS St Albans); Cossack Sword for ground gained and held went to AEM Marsh Cormack (HMS Heron).