Tuesday 1 March 2011 at HMS Tameraire, Portsmouth
After their impressive performance against the Army Under 23’s the previous week, the RAF FA Men’s Development Squad’s task was laid before them. Score 3 or more goals and ensure they beat the Royal Navy Under 23s by at least 2 goals to be crowned the Under 23s Inter-Services Champions for 2011.
The RAF MDS kicked off in their decisive game of the 2011 season, at the windswept Victory Stadium in Portsmouth, and it was clear to see that although they had to win, and win well, patience would be key to their performance. Moving the ball swiftly and at ease around the bare surface, it didn’t take long for the MDS to create their first chance of the match. Cpl McKenzie Williams’ long pass forward was caught by a gust of wind and hung in the air forcing the RN goalkeeper to misjudge the flight of ball. The ball fell to SAC Lewis Brownhill who couldn’t quite strike the MDS into an early lead.
The MDS continued to dominate the possession in the early exchanges without threatening the opposition’s goal until the 25 minute when Cpl James Bayliffe’s close control was too much for his opposite number and was fouled 25 yards from goal. Stepping up to the plate, LAC Simon Oakley of Brize Norton, carefully placed the ball with only one thought in his mind. His Beckham like execution of the free kick bent around the wall and into the top corner to put the MDS into a well deserved lead.
The MDS could not rest on this lead and continued to press forward in search of a second. As the MDS attempted to build up from the back, a misplaced pass was intercepted and a fine delivery was met by the head by the RN captain Brooks whose bullet header pulled the RN level. The MDS remained calm and focused upon their objective, but were then forced into making an early change when LAC James Morrison replaced LAC Tom Campbell, after he received an injury earlier in the game. This did not disrupt the RAF dominance in the midfield and they continued to press the RN back towards their own goal but the blustery conditions disrupting the RAF final ball. SAC Lewis Brownhill continued to show heart and passion by not allowing the RN defence a moment to settle on the ball. His hard work forced a corner just before half time. The initial delivery was half cleared. Cpl McKenzie Williams delivered the second ball which was not dealt with by the defence. The ball fell to SAC Sean Morgan-Hyatt, who had been dominate at the centre of the RAF defence, and on his second attempt slid the ball home from close range. The perfect note to end a hard fought half on. HT RN 1 RAF 2.
The second period began in a similar manner to the first, with the MDS demonstrating patience and maturity in their approach play. It was Cpl Paul Titchard who began stamping his authority on the game with some tough tackling and high energy surges around the field. This seemed to inspire several of his team mates and the tempo of the match began to increase to an intensity that the crowd had yet to witness during the game. The MDS benches decision to introduce SAC Mark Boyle only compounded this increased intensity and it did not take long for him to have a major impact upon the game. His strong running into the right hand channel isolated the RN left back, cutting inside to make space before firing the ball into the bottom corner to make the score 1-3 .
The MDS were on course to share the spoils with the Army U23s, however they wanted the Championship to themselves. The MDS continued to press forward in search on the goal that would crowd them the sole champions of 2011, and in the 81st minute it came. A long clearance by the RN Goalkeeper was powerfully headed back down field by SAC Paul O’Donnell. SAC Lewis Brownhill anticipated the flight on the ball and latched onto it racing away from the defence, setting himself 20 yards from goal he fired the ball into the top corner and the MDS into a state of ecstasy. His hard work and exemplary manner in which he had led the line all game was rewarded with the glory of capturing the Championship for the RAF.
The icing on the cake was applied by SAC James Bayliffe when he steered home SAC Mark Boyle’s cross to make the score 1-5 a minute later. LAC Aaron Rockey replaced SAC Lewis Brownhill who departed the game to rapturous applause from the crowd.. The remaining of the game was played out without incident. The final whistle blew and the MDS bench and support staff flooded the pitch to celebrate as one, popping the champagne and showering the coaching staff. As the MDS captain, Cpl Callum McWilliam, hoisted the trophy above his head the cheers from the squad sounded out and the celebrations began.
General Manager Sqn Ldr Paul Merritt commented “This was a superb performance befitting of the occasion and one that would not have been possible without the excellence of the players, coupled with the outstanding direction and support provided by my coaches, therapists and back room team. Additionally, I am very grateful to the RAF’s Stn Football Administration’s and Line Manager’s for supporting player development and for enabling the release of MDS staffs and players throughout a very busy season. This support underpins all that we have achieved and is an essential contribution to our future success. We can all be very proud of what we have achieved today and we look forward to maintaining this high level of performance next season”.
This Championship was not just earned through the passion, effort and skill applied in the 180 minutes of Inter-Service fixtures against the Royal Navy and British Army but every minute of previous matches, training sessions, all pre-match preparation and even charity fundraising events that the entire squad had been actively involved in. The RAF FA Men’s Development Squad are well deserved Inter-Services Champions 2011.
2011 U23 Inter-Service Results
Army 3 Royal Navy 1 (played at Farnborough FC)
RAF 1 Army 1 (played at RAF Cosford)
Royal Navy 1 RAF 5 (played at HMS Tameraire)
RAF U23
1. LAC T Chorley (RAF Odiham)
2. LAC S Oakley (RAF Brize Norton)
3. SAC P O'Donnell (RAF Odiham)
4. Cpl M Williams (RAF Cosford)
5. LAC S Morgan-Hyatt (RAF Marham)
6. LAC T Campbell (RAF Lyneham)
7. Cpl P Titchard (RAF Scampton)
8. Cpl S Bayliffe (RAF Northolt)
9. SAC J Smith (RAF Leeming)
10. SAC Lewis Brownhill (RAF Benson)
11. Cpl McWilliam (Chicksands)
12. SAC M Boyle (RAF Boulmer)
14. SAC R Hall (RAF Waddington)
15. LAC B Garraway (RAF Marham)
16. LAC J Morrison (RAF Brize Norton)
17. SAC G Lowe (RAF Benson)
18. LAC A Rockey (RAF Brize Norton)