THE RAF are the first side other than the British Army to win the Women’s Inter-Services title.

Having beaten the Royal Navy 34-10 in the Series opener at Portsmouth on September 11 – lifting the Julia Lee Trophy in the process – they recovered from 8-4 down at the break to edge the Army 18-14 at Stanningley.

Inflicting a first Inter-Services defeat on the side that had dominated the competition for almost two decades, the RAF’s rally involved tries by Kate Allan, Josie Allen and Cerys McNevin – who also converted one score – with Rachel Robertson completing the turnaround on her 26th and final Inter-Services appearance.

Jess Schofield, Kara Vakayaru and Jade Tonks crossed for the Army, with Tonks landing a goal.

Hannah McCabe had led the way for the RAF with a hat-trick against the Navy. Shannon Pasotti and Grace Burnett grabbed two tries each and McNevin kicked three conversions. Joanna Banks and Josie Parnaby dotted down for the Wrenegades and Libby Fox goaled one score.

The Navy were, because of player availability and injuries, unable to raise a team for Friday’s scheduled fixture against the Army at Heworth. The Army swiftly arranged a `friendly’ against a side comprising players from Castleford and Hull KR.