HMS Somerset wins Royal Navy Rugby Union Plate

On 12 July the rugby team from Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset was faced with a 'David vs Goliath' style battle against a team from Somerset based establishment HMS Heron.

With a compliment of less than 180 personnel to call upon, many would not have given any credence to their chances.

However, having beaten HMS Queen Elizabeth on the way to the final, there was plenty of belief from within the Devonport based frigate as they stepped on to the pitch at the Rectory, Plymouth.

With the match still in the balance deep into the second half, Somerset started to get the upper hand and were able to press home their advantage with three late tries from Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Josh Tweedie, Sub Lieutenant Josh Ellis and the winner coming from the team captain Able Seaman Ben Borman.

The final whistle signified a 39-17 victory for HMS Somerset and the prestigious honour of being the first ship ever to win the Royal Navy Rugby Union Plate.

As the winning team walked off the pitch battered and bruised, they had huge smiles on their faces with a feeling of immense pride.

HMS Heron certainly lived up to their reputation, but the grit and determination shown by the under-dogs was the deciding factor on the day.

Commanding Officer Tim Berry said, “The desire to win and the mutual respect shown by both teams today was a huge credit to the individuals and navy sport. To have a frigate sized ship win this trophy against a big shore establishment was a truly excellent achievement.”