Trophy triumph for Budge

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs prop Chris Budgen was all smiles after he helped the Army to claim their 10th Babock Trophy in 11 years with a 43-26 success against the Navy at Twickenham.

In front of a record crowd of 72,000, the 40-year-old forward was one of the stand-out performers for the Army, who had to recover from a shocking start to claim their latest victory.

The Navy had sped into a 19-0 lead courtesy of tries from Dale Sleemen (2) and Gareth Evans before their rivals finally kicked into life.

However, inspired by Bath's Semesa Rokodoguni - who helped himself to a try hat-trick - the Army soon powered their way back into the contest with further tries from Sam Speight, Peceli Nacamavuto and Inosi Laqekoro.

Full-back Ceri Cummings kicked the remainder of the Army points with five conversions and a penalty.

In reply, Jack Foster claimed a late consolation try for the Navy with Cornishman Dave Pascoe adding the extras to all three tries.