The Royal Navy’s best female footballers tackled Plymouth Argyle’s ladies in the city.
The rare event, a friendly match, took place at HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth, in preparation for the inter-services tournament (against the RAF and Army) in March. A series of friendlies across the country have been organised including the home of Royal Naval Football in Portsmouth. The final score was Argyle 3 RN 0
Devonport-based Petty Officer Lisa Farthing (HMS Drake Physical Trainer and RN squad player), said: “The Royal Navy played host to Plymouth Argyle Ladies for the first time in a few years. Plymouth Argyle Ladies play weekly in the South West Combination League. This is in contrast to the Royal Navy who get together as team every 3 weeks.
“The fixture was a good challenge for the RN team, but unfortunately the Argyle went away with the victory 3-0. We would like to think that Argyle will host us next season at Home Park!”
The Navy had a high level supporter in the stands with Rear Admiral Clive Johnstone, Flag Officer Sea Training. Adm Johnstone is president of the Royal Navy Football Association.
Nat Bavister, Royal Navy Ladies captain said: “Playing against Plymouth Argyle Ladies FC was no doubt going to be a challenging game for the Royal Navy and that’s exactly what it was. Argyle found space and played the ball about extremely well. Despite a 3-0 defeat this was a good test for us as we are now over halfway through the season with Inter Services fast approaching in March and we need to be playing against opposition of such standard as Argyle.
We now need to bounce back with a strong performance off the back of Xmas leave, I am confident that with the squad and team spirit we now have that this is achievable, along with solid performances against the RAF and Army.“
The Royal Navy Ladies’ squad and where they serve:
HMS DAUNTLESS – NAAC CASS J, HMS WESTMINSTER – ET(ME) DOSDALE M. HMS PROTECTOR – LSTD LEE L, HMS PORTLAND – AB(CIS) MEYER M, HMS LANCASTER – LT PARKER J RAN. HMS DIAMOND – AB(WS) COLE H, HMS KENT – AB(WS)COLLIER N,HMS ILLUSTRIOUS – AB BROOKS J, ABCIS MATTINSON M, HMS BULWARK – AB(WS) DOREY J. HMS RICHMOND – PO(CIS) WALLER R, AB(WS) POPE A. HMS SCOTT – AB(HM) MANSFIELD S COLLINGWOOD – LPT BAVISTER N, LREG MORTON-HARROWSMITH C, NEPTUNE – WTR KENNEDY S, WTR GILLARD K, AB(WS) KENNEDY N, RALEIGH – CH JOHN R, AB KAPTEIN A FERRET – AB WORSFOLD L, HMS NELSON – LT INGRAM S, LREG RIDDELL K, RPO GARRETT M, LMA PHILLIPS L, AB MILLAR A, HEADLEY COURT – LPT MCKENNA L. HMS SULTAN – AET ELLAMS A, AET KAPTEIN A. HMS CALEDONIA – LSTD COMRIE A. RNAS SEAHAWK – AET CANNING H HERON – SLT GRAINGER N, AET NARDEILLO K. HMS DRAKE – PO(UW) HEWITT J, AB(WS) FRASER L. RM POOLE – WTR CONNING J. NAVY Command HQ – LT WELLINGTON L. BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY – NN(S) WRIGLEY A. KEOGH BARRACKS – MA BADGER S. 42 CDO – WTR MACKENZIE L