Big freeze hits the university warm-up game Cambridge match cancelled but victory against Police

IT WAS the calm after the storm for the Service’s men’s rugby union stars as bad weather hindered their preparations with a match at Cambridge frozen off.

The postponed annual fixture at the university side’s Grange Road ground came off the back of a blistering performance from the airmen in their first Inter-Service warm-up match, with a 19-48 win over the English Police at Stourbridge RFC.

A five-star blitz in the opening half saw five RAF tries ran in, with Cpl Toby Jones kicking things off with a superb break from the Police 20.

the airmen was a joy to behold, with Cpl Jordan Oatley’s audacious interception and run from inside his own half highlighting the RAF’s willingness to attack and play with flair.

The introduction of former England scrum-half Shaun Perry to the coaching staff was a welcome addition.

Head coach FS Justin Coleman said: “It was a really impressive and strong first-half performance against the Police, with our setpiece dominating and our backs creating lots of opportunities to give us a lead of over 30 points.

“Lots of replacements in the second half disrupted the balance a little and we lacked composure in defence, allowing the Police a glimpse of opportunity.

“It was a good win overall but we were a little flat in the second half, which needs addressing.

“It was disappointing to miss out on a crucial fixture that would have been a strong test against Cambridge University, but it allowed us to run an internal contested session instead, so it wasn’t a complete loss, and the few days holed up training allowed us to focus on the details.

“The addition of Shaun Perry to the coaching staff for the day really raised the standards and what could have turned into a lost opportunity turned into a competitive training camp with lots of players putting their hands up for selection, which is creating some headaches, but these are the good problems the coaching staff are pushing for.” l Follow RAF Rugby Union on Instagram @raf_mens_senior_xv.