The annual rugby match between the Army and Navy first XV took place at Twickenham Stadium in April. Geospatial intelligence experts Envitia sponsored an executive box, inviting along valued clients and contacts for a fantastic day out at this prestigious and popular event.

Our hand-picked guests included representatives of the following clients, whom we support in making better operational decisions through actionable geospatial intelligence:

• BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
• HP
• Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems
• Blighter Surveillance Systems
• Thales
• MOD
• VTOL
• CGI
• General Dynamics
• Selex

The day began with a fantastic three-course meal, accompanied by fine wines, before the game started. This took place against the backdrop of the under 23s Oxbridge vs Combined Services match, which was also taking place in the stadium as a warm-up to the main event. By dessert, we could hear the 82,000-strong crowd gathering in the stadium for the Babcock Trophy match.

At the 15:00 kick-off, the spectators quietened to a dull roar. The Navy scored first, adding the conversion to take the score to 7-0. However, the Army didn’t let the celebrations last too long, scoring and converting to equalise soon after, then romping ahead to bring the half-time score to 19-7. We spent half time back in the box, conversing both about the match and the latest developments in the geospatial intelligence arena over cheese and biscuits.

At the beginning of the second half, the Army pushed ahead further, taking the score to a seemingly-untouchable 26-7, leaving the Navy crowd silent. However, the Navy soon took back control in dramatic fashion, bringing the score to 29-26 with just two minutes left of the game. After the Army conceded a penalty, Jon Humphrey kicked to leave the final score a draw at 29-29. The draw was enough for the Navy to regain the Inter Services title they last won in 2010.

After the match, Envitia and guests enjoyed some afternoon tea and discussed the eventful game. We would like to thank all who attended and made it a thoroughly enjoyable event.

Sophie Phillips, Sales Executive

RAF Waddington Hornets 46 – 25 RAF Honington Centurions

The Envitia-supported rugby team, RAF Waddington Hornets, won its first silverware in four years at the Warrington Morris Shield Final in May. Wearing their distinctive new kit, which is sponsored by geospatial intelligence experts Envitia, the result also helped the team to second place in the league.

Taking place at RAF Halton, against the RAF Honington Centurions, this was always going to be a physical encounter between two sides who have met twice in this final over the last four years. The game didn’t fail to live up to expectations, with two confident teams hungry for the victory. The Hornets were bolstered with the return of several players from overseas commitments, while the Centurions also brought a big powerful team.

From the kick-off, the Centurions immediately had the upper hand, going 5 points up within minutes. However, a stirring word from Captain Cpl Anton Bainbridge helped the Hornets to regroup, meaning they soon answered the Honington try with a 5-point score under the posts, which was then converted. The Hornets’ forward pack began to reassert its dominance, leading to issues with discipline in the under-pressure Honington team, with several high tackles and infringements occurring.

The Hornets suffered no such issues, and went on to score another try and were awarded several penalties. When the Centurions’ Blindside Flanker was sin-binned for persistent offences, their aggressive posture diminished somewhat, the Hornets were able to capitalise on the man down in the scrum, bringing the half-time scoreline up to 22-8.

Waddington went into the second half with a fresh approach and immediately set about reasserting their dominance with a well worked try under the posts, which was then converted. However, Honington began to work their way back into the game, scoring two well worked tries. From there on the second half was much more evenly matched than the first, with both sides scoring tries and conversions. However, with minutes to go, the Hornets sealed their victory with a fine try from scrum half Cpl Adam Self. Although the Hornets had dominated in more areas of the game, the physicality from both sides had led many to believe the result to be a lot closer than the final score of 46-25.

Afterwards, the RAF Waddington Hornets Captain Cpl Bainbridge said he was extremely proud of the team:
“Everyone put their body on the line during this game and nobody came off that pitch without putting in 100%. Each and every one of us has deserved to be part of this and it has been by far the best game of rugby we’ve played all season.”

Mark Richardson, Business Development Manager of Envitia has commented:
“Envitia would like to congratulate the RAF Waddington Rugby Team for their outstanding achievement in the league this year. We are very proud to sponsor the Team and wish them all the success for the upcoming league season.”

Flt Lt Williams, the Officer in Command, also said he was highly impressed with the effort that both sides put into the game:
“Honington didn’t deserve the losing margin, but the score line highlighted just how good the Hornets can be on the day. To win the Warrington Morris Shield after such a tough season with many players deploying on overseas operations and exercises throughout the year is an extremely proud moment.

“I would also like to express my thanks to Envitia, our sponsors who have helped with many aspects of club life, from providing a new kit to helping to improve our sports bar. This support is invaluable as part of facilitating the bonding of a strong team of players and support staff that helps make days like this happen.”

The team’s focus now turns to the Rugby League season and the defence of the RAFRL Claytons Cup title won last August. With the team spirit that has been built up over the past year, and the backing of geospatial intelligence experts Envitia, it looks as though they are in an excellent position for this.