Nayalo steers Army to thrilling fightback

THE British Army’s men pulled off a thrilling comeback that will live long in the memory to keep their hopes of regaining the Inter Service Championship alive, and dash the Royal Navy’s dream of a first back-to-back title in 50 years.

- CHRIS WEARMOUTH

The last 90 seconds were scarcely believable for the sundrenched Twickenham crowd. After a quarter the Navy led by 22 points, and 24 points at the break. The Senior Service’s dominance was total, with aggressive physicality in defence matched by clinical finishing, debutant Jack Wright on the end of a pair of driving mauls, Ratu Vakalutukali and William Rigelsford running intelligent supporting lines into space to score, and Kristan Dobson showing power, pace and balance down the right touchline into the corner.

All the Army had to show for their efforts was a lone Senitiki Nayalo effort but, at 5-29 down head coach Tim Osman insisted that there was calmness in the dressing room.