Shoals products perform for national navy side

Wilson, along with fellow Shoals Clark Chancellor, Corey Lee, Caine Curtain and Linton Lee (manager), had the honour of representing the navy side – a team he has played for since 2011.

On this particular occasions, which was a continuation of the squad’s recent trip to the United Kingdom, the navy played two matches, the first being against the Royal Australian Airforce at Ballymore Stadium.

“We had a tremendous game, right from the start against the airforce,” Wilson said.

“We found ourselves up by 22 points in the first quarter, thanks to our dominant scrummaging and speedy backs.

“We didn’t let up and end up running out winners 64-12.”

Wilson and his side then attempted to back up this win with a strong performance against the national army side, also at Ballymore.

“We couldn’t build on our win in game one and lost 18-6 to army,” he said.

“We had a larger team but suffered a number of injuries, which slowed us down a bit.

“Our set pieces weren’t as dominant and unfortunately the army side, which was fitted and better drilled, capitalised on that.”

Despite splitting the games, Wilson said their were positives to take from the performances.

“Overall, I wasn’t too happy with my or the team’s performance, as I know we are capable of much more,” he said.

“But the positives are there were a lot of younger players blooded in this side, which should bode well for the future.

“If we can keen this core group of people together, next year we will be much more competitive.”

Wilson also paid tribute to coach David Carter, which has decided to step down after 30 years being involved with the side – as both and coach – saying he will be ‘sorely missed’.