HMS Somerset at West Country Showdown

Members of Plymouth based warship HMS Somerset were invited to join Yeovil Town FC at Huish Park to enjoy the South West showdown against local League One opponents Plymouth Argyle FC.

It was a tense affair both on and off the pitch as there were supporters of both teams among the crew.

Whilst lifelong Argyle fan LS Arthur Batchelor’s team put up a good fight, it was the Executive Officer Lt Cdr Vince Owen’s Yeovil Town that triumphed on the night.

Fortunate to have time in their programme to accept the invite, HMS Somerset were treated to an excellent evening as VIP guests of the club before sitting down to watch the game.

At half time Somerset’s crew were invited onto the pitch for a presentation between the Club and Ship.

Dave Linney, commercial manager of Yeovil FC said: "On behalf of the club chairman John Fry and all at Yeovil Town Football Club that it was a pleasure to welcome the captain and some crew members of HMS Somerset for our south west derby versus Plymouth Argyle.

"We hope to cement our association with HMS Somerset and hopefully be in a position to visit the ship on its return to British waters."

HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer Commander Tim Berry RN praised the association between Club and Ship: “It has been an absolute pleasure to strengthen our affiliation with Yeovil Town Football Club, especially at a local derby against Plymouth, our base port.

"Yeovil pulled out all the stops for our visit and it was a pleasure to represent the Navy at half time and meet some of the players."