A Royal Navy player brushes aside his RAN counterpart.

Still mates after the game.

A Royal Navy rugby league side has been whitewashed in three games during its inaugural tour of Australia from March 1-14.

The team departed Australia at least a little wiser for the experience after games against a Royal Australian Navy side, Renown United (a suburban Sydney team) and a NSW Combined Services side.

The contest between the rival navies kicked off the tour, with the RAN scoring a comfortable 32-14 victory after leading 26-10 at half-time.

The RAN team, comprising mostly of players from the HMAS Harman Seadogs, came together at the last minute, but overcame the RN team after the traditional 'softening up' period early in the match.

RAN fullback Chris Bowen scored a match-winning four tries, while winger Brad Simmons and second-rowers Dave Wallace and 'Jesse' James were also noted for outstanding performances.

The remaining two matches saw Renown United defeat the RN 38-0, while the NSW Combined Services scored a 30-20 victory.

President of the Combined Australian Services Rugby League, WO2 Graham Cavanough said the matches were all definitely played in good spirit, but still featured the traditional Defence rivalry and plenty of hard hit-ups.

"They were a great bunch of blokes and although the tour was a real learning curve, they will gain from the experience when they get back home," he said.

"A tour like this gives people in all three services the chance to get involved in rugby league at a competitive level.

WO2 Cavanough said he hopes to instigate a combined services tour to England next year, playing matches against their Navy, Army and Air Force teams.

By Michael Weaver
Photos by ABPH Ollie Garside