5 Sport Email: sports@rafnews.co.uk
RAF
Follow us
Royal Air Force News Friday, December 26, 2025 P27
@rafnewssport
Review of highlights of 2025's RAF Sport
pages of
HOCKEY
TRIPLE TOP Indoor Inter-Services triumph for RAF THERE WAS a dominant close to 2025 as Service hockey stormed to glory at the Armyhosted IS indoor championships in Aldershot. The association won three of the five trophies available – senior men’s, women’s and men’s masters – on a day of blistering action. Cpl James Havlin, RAF hockey spokesman, said: “Winning three of the five titles on offer reinforces the RAF’s position as the dominant force in Service Hockey. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the 2026 outdoor season.” The senior women kicked off the sweep, flying out of the traps with a 5-2 blitz of the Royal
ROWING
Oar-some year… and there's more to come
NO WAY THROUGH: Sgt Rhian James defends against the Army for the RAF Women’s Seniors
Daniel Abrahams
See pages 23, 24 & 25
Navy, with AS1 Alex Naughalty grabbing a brace. Going one down to the redhot Naughalty, the Army fought back to level, but the RAF weren’t rattled, they struck again through Wg Cdr Jane Lewis to end the third quarter 2–1 up. What followed was pure chaos. The Army won a penalty flick, but Cpl Kiera Hayman, the hero between the posts, pulled off a massive save. Then came three Army short corners in a row: Hayman saved two, the third fizzed wide. The RAF were hanging on, but still dangerous on the break, but with 80 seconds left the Army levelled again, with the RAF winning the championship on goal difference.
TRIATHLON
IRONMAN: Sgt Scott Hill has his sights set on Euro and World glory next year
A total display from the senior men’s team crushed the Navy 5-2 before a 4-4 draw with the Army, which left players and crowd breathless. With the Army having beaten the Navy the clash was a winner takes all and leading 4-3 in the closing stages another last gasp Army goal pegged things back, but it was not enough with the aviators winning on goal difference. A hat-trick of championship wins was completed when the men’s Masters team won 7-0 over the Navy before winning 2-1 against the Army to take the championship for the first time in 13 years. ● Follow RAF Hockey on Instagram @RAFHockey.
RAF ROWING celebrated one of its most successful years to date with IS wins, along with displays in Europe to help strengthen the future of the association. The Joint Services Regatta, hosted at Peterborough City Rowing Lake in September, saw the RAFRC secure two of the four Inter-Service titles on offer; taking convincing wins in both the Men’s 8+ and the Women’s 4+ and was a superb start to the racing season. RAF Rowing Club ViceChair Sqn Ldr Chris Nash said: “The wins in Peterborough set a strong foundation for the months ahead.” The association continued its momentum into October, as personnel travelled to the Netherlands to race at the Army Regatta in Breda. Shifting its attention to training, the club has begun preparations for one of the landmark events of 2026 – the 100th anniversary of the Head of the River Race, set to be held in London next March. Nash said: “We aim to field a crew capable of mounting a serious challenge for the Forces
Pennant at this historic edition of the race. “With rising membership numbers, renewed structure and improving performance across both men’s and women’s squads, the club enters winter in a promising position. “We are always looking for personnel interested in rowing or learning about the sport.” ● Follow RAF Rowing on Instagram @rafrowing.
Sergeant Scott's not over the Hill “YOU’RE NEVER too old,” is the battle cry of Sgt Scott Hill as he sets his sights on a triple crown of triathlon triumphs next year. Hill, 42, a stalwart of the Service sport, qualified for the European middle distance triathlon championships in Banyoles, Spain in July, Ironman Italy in September and world long distance triathlon championships in Abu Dhabi in November. He said: “I am open to learning
and adapting and that, I think, is key to longevity. Next year will be no different, I am pushing myself and want to achieve more. I want to qualify for the Ironman world championship Kona Hawaii 2027 – from my finish time in Ironman Italy, so there’s a lot to go for. “I am the first RAF athlete to race the Ironman World Champs twice in its history, and I intend to qualify again. I represent the RAF, Central Fund and Sports Federation
when I run, and I am proud to do so.” The British Triathlon Federation (BTF) high performance coach will also be taking to the airwaves next year when he hosts a triathlonbased podcast for UKRunChat and UKTriChat social media platform. He said: “The year ahead is exciting and another chance to learn and develop.” ● Follow FS Scott Hill on Instagram @ironhill93.