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Petersfield Armed Forces Day – QinetiQ Origin XVII

Petersfield Armed Forces Day – QinetiQ Origin XVII

Keith Humpleby15 Jul 2018 - 14:03
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Headlines from the day:- Maroons win back to back Origin titles and the Petersfield Select Maroons win the inaugural Origin Masters

A busy day on and off the pitch at Petersfield RFC in sweltering heat was an overwhelming success so on behalf of RNRL a big thanks you to all involved. I will deal with the on field action whilst our very own Director of Rugby Dave ‘Beefy’ Garner has added his own message at the end of the match detail

Opening the day’s events was the VCC Field Gun competition between Cadets from HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood. Whilst some in the crowd were heard to comment after the first run, ‘well that was a bit slow and boring’ hopefully they stuck around because that was only a walk through to check all was in place on this unfamiliar territory. The second and third runs certainly were not slow and boring, with midday approaching and under the watchful eyes of their respective trainers the two teams gave there all in a fast paced and thrilling series of two runs. A fair result saw both crews take a victory each so honours even for that event, thanks to the Cadets and their trainers, great start to the day.

Whilst the ‘grown ups’ were at lunch the RNRL Ladies staged a grass Roots coaching session for local youngsters , led by Wrenegades Head Coach Jim Bowen the session was well attended with about 20 lads joining in and the guys were to reappear at the end of the Masters fixture for a final touch rugby session to practice the skills learnt from the earlier session. Five of the lads stayed behind and acted as ball boys for the main match and despite the sweltering heat stuck to their task throughout a great credit to themselves and the Petersfield Club.

So to the Masters Origin match, as a new event there were a few teething problems but the end result was that two full teams took to the pitch with the Blues representing the Eastern Commands and a Petersfield Select side representing the Maroons. It was a great testament to the spirit of RNRL that so many former players had traveled a long way to be part of the event, amongst those long distance travelers were Matt Bowker, Adrian ‘Stan’ Baxter, Jimmy Shaw and the Gateshead Thunder himself Richie Metcalfe. Of those more local all credit to the following for lacing up the boots on such a day, Jason Steele, Steve Lockton, Matthew ‘Ruby’ Murray, Wata Robanakadavu Chris Reeves and Ryan Matthews to name but a few. Acknowledging the baking heat on the pitch both sides agreed to a 45 minute game split into three periods of play at the discretion, in fact the teams coped so well that there was at least an hour played. Whilst some of the passes were not as accurate as in years gone by there was no lack of physicality throughout the match and for the first period the game was evenly balanced. The Maroons took an early lead only for the Blues to strike back three times in short order to put themselves ahead 12:4. Responding in the best way possible the Maroons came back with three tries of their and with two conversions the game was turned on its head, the Maroons now with a 12:20 advantage. As the third period developed the Maroons tightened their grip on the game, tries to Reeves Metcalfe and a special effort by Ruby Murray rounded off the scoring with the Maroons comfortably home by 12:40. A great spectacle for the Petersfield locals who had come to join the day and whetted their appetite for what was to come in the main Origin match

So to the main event, QinetiQ Origin VXII, the maroons arrived on the strength of a good win at Headingley last year looking to further close the gap on the Blues as well as create their own history by claiming their first ever back to back wins. On the other hand the Blues were here to do exactly the opposite! After the teams were presented to the Mayor of Petersfield Mrs Hilary Eyre it was game on. The Maroons of the West posted their intent with barely five minutes on the clock with Josh Coupland maintaining his great try scoring run in all competitions finishing off a slick move out wide, the try was converted with a wonderful conversion by Sean Casey which was to be a feature of the Wests game throughout the day, 4:0. The Easts had a lot of defending to do throughout the first half but held out valiantly through the first quarter repelling the Maroons initially but almost inevitably the Maroons would find a way through, this they did twice and with another conversion for Casey they were up by 16:0. As the half drew to a close the Blues put pressure of their own on the opposing defence and finally Luke Cooper crossed out wide on the East right to get his side on the score sheet. Alex Lewis then matched the Maroons for quality conversions with a superb touchline score, half time 16:6.

With no signs of the heat lessening the sides took the field for second half and what a half it was to be, the Blues taking the early initiative to square the scores with a brace of tries featuring a spectacular score by Roko Kurasasa who rounded off a great move on the Blues Left, anther conversion to Lewis and it was game on. The Blues crossed again to tie the scores and looked on top at the 60 minute mark. The Maroons had a different agenda and almost straight from the kick off the got possession turning defence into attack to send Sean Casey over under the posts to restore his sides lead, converting his own score it was now 22:16. As the clock ran down both sides made a monumental effort, the Blues to get back on terms whilst the Maroons tried to close the game out. Ultimately it was the Maroons who triumphed, a try for Danny Heaton once again converted by Casey put them 12 points to the good and to confirm the victory Sean Houghton scored a brilliant solo score from the half way line, with another 2 pointer for Casey that was the Maroons home and hosed 34:16.

RNRL President Cdre Paul Marshall presented the man of the match plates to Adam Birkett for the Easts and Matt Holland for the Wests, both forwards played for most of the match excelling in both attack and defence. The final Presentation was made by Mr Chris Groves from Origin Sponsors QinetiQ handing over the trophy to Wets Skipper Sili Buinimasi. An emotional moment for the Fijian star as he has announced his retirement from playing so this was his last Origin match. It is fitting the he will keep the trophy at home for the near future to reflect on a wonderful playing career both for RNRL and RNRU. The big man was given a standing ovation as he left the pitch through a ‘tunnel’ made up of all the players from both sides.

One final footnote and for those who study team lists another little piece RNRL history was made as for the first time we had two brothers playing on opposite sides, Matt Holland for the Wests and Brother Ed for the Easts with their father Tim Holland watching from the touchline!

Maroons: Sean Houghton, Rory Cooper, Nathan Lee, Gavin Duffy, Josh Coupland, Sean Casey, John Clay, Connor Gilby, Danny Heaton, Silivenuisi Buinimasi (C), Louis McKenna, Matt Holland, Ben Taylor
Replacements: Ellis Greenway, Joe Long, Kyp Brigden, Frank Chesney, Rory Bonnick, Nathan Neal, Liam Hands

Coach: Steve Riley

Blues: Luke Cooper, Tu Roko Kurusasa, Rory Penfold, Tristan Trehan, Adam Gallagher, Darren Bamford (C), Alex Lewis, James Parry, Marika Tuinabunawa, Adam Birkett, Tom Howard, Matt Bratton, Jack Basher
Replacements: Lloyd Williamson, Jerome Rudder, Josh Tora, Bill Tarogi, Chris Hart, Joe O’Hanlon, Ed Holland

Coach: Wata Robanakadavu

So finally to the DoR words of thanks

“As the dust settles (literally) from another State of Origin I just wanted to say well done to players, support staff and fans alike.
Petersfield Rugby Club were excellent hosts and made everybody so welcome on the day and a big thank you to Stuart Barden and his team (Chefs, Bar Staff, BBQ staff and Club staff).
What's pleasing to see is the Association putting on two great games of Rugby League on Origin Day.
The masters turning the clock back showing the youth watching there's still life in many an old dog! The main Origin players exciting the crowd showing just how fast, energy sapping and exciting Rugby League is.

Well done to coach Steve Riley and his Maroon Boys and a special mention to the retiring Fijian powerhouse that is Silivenusi Buinimasi a special player and a true Maroon and RNRL legend. Great to see the big man appreciated by so many.

To the Blues Wata Robanakadavu and Mark Robinson a tough day at the office, beaten by back to back Origin winners, remember the feeling, come together next year and go again. Sign of a great team is when they come back and do the unexpected!

A big thanks to Keith Humpleby and most of all Steve Penberthy the latter (who I've spoke to more times than the wife in the last couple of months) has simply been the final piece in the Origin jigsaw. What a 'Boy'... We've had meetings, accommodation to book, pitch watering, invites, menus, kit, show stands, food, changing rooms, flags, banners, officials to sort, menus, table plans, guests, car parks photographers John Williams to organise and then a chuffing power cut to deal with on the day of the race! Outstanding 'Blueblood'.....

Lastly, to those that traveled Matt & Natalie Bowker, Jamie James, Jimmy Shaw, Stan Baxter, Ryan Matthews and Big Maurice Darren Bamford safe trip back t'up North. Great seeing you all!
Once again many thanks to all involved and to coin a phrase Steve Lockton our Head Coach uses "We are in a good place right now!".
KIA KAHA!

Final Footnote our friend Stuart Barden, Chair of Petersfield RFC confirmed that over 1800 pounds had been raised on the day to be split amongst the nominated charities.

And so to next year, another Masters match and possibly the first ever Wrenegades Origin!

Watch this space

Further reading