The soldiers came out firing in their clash with the British police in Aldershot and two tries saw them establish a 10-0 advantage in the first half.
However, the visitors hit back to lead 12-10 at the break and then added a third score in the second period as the army failed to find their attacking rhythm in the heavy rain.
Their best opportunity came at the death, but when second-row forward SSgt Heidi Silcox (RAMS) was held up on the line the chance to draw level had gone, leaving the police to celebrate a 17-10 win.
Silcox, SSgt Sarah Batley (AGC (RMP)), LBdr Jess McAuley (RA) and skipper WO2 Jade Mullen (AGC (SPS)) formed an experienced spine to what was a largely experimental side and the latter believes the newcomers – many of whom impressed at a trials camp a month earlier – will learn a lot from the game.
“It is early days, and this was an opportunity for people to put their hands up and get some experience,” Mullen told SoldierSport afterwards.
“It is a big step up from the corps game, so it was exciting for them. The result didn’t really matter in the end.
“One of the positives was how quickly the girls got into the structure of playing red shirt rugby – it proves the interest is out there.
“Players like me, who have more than 25 caps, are coming towards the end of our careers and this shows there are people ready to progress the jersey.”
The army return to action on January 15 with an away trip to London Irish, in which they are expected to field another inexperienced team.
Clashes with Bury St Edmunds and the Irish Defence Force follow next month.
“London Irish will be another opportunity,” Mullen continued. “From there we will start forming a squad for the Inter-Services. Hopefully, a few of these girls can put their hands up to be in the mix.
“That competition will be hard. As champions we try not to be complacent and there are always things we can work on.
“Retaining the Inter-Services trophy is the prime objective for this season.”
The Reds face the Royal Navy at Twickenham on May 2 before travelling to Gloucester to take on the Royal Air Force on May 16.
