The 2018 RMRL season started slowly; heavy snowfall at CTCRM in March meant the Wigan Bowl (Corps Championships) had to be cancelled. Traditionally an event that enables the coaching staff to identify new players, its cancellation made this task difficult. To try and avoid this happening again, the Wigan Bowl will be played differently in 2019 – UPTIs will be briefed by the RMRL Secretary, Sgt Karl Anderson.

The joint Royal Marines / Royal Navy Rugby League (RNRL) training camp was also cancelled; this meant that the first time the RMRL squad “got together” was for the Sebastopol Cup (vs the Royal Artillery) in early May. This fixture is always a hard-fought game and this year was no different. It was made harder by having limited player availability, but a number of novice RL players were introduced and acquitted themselves well – the game ended 30-18 to the RMRL.

The next fixture was against Wigan St Patricks. This fixture is played in memory of two Wigan St Pats players (and Royal Marines), Sgt Derbyshire and Cpl Elms, who both paid the ultimate price on Op HERRICK. With most of the RMRL squad being deployed on Ex JOINT WARRIOR, the RMRL were unable to field a full 13 players. St Pats enabled the fixture to be played by lending a few players, and the game was played in fantastic spirit. Unfortunately, the Wigan team were too strong and ran out 12-6 victors. This memorial fixture is highly recommended; organised mainly by the RMA, it attracts crowds of around 1000 people and raises money for the RM Charity.

Next, the Corps traveled to the home of the Royal Engineers (RE). This is the first time the RMRL had played the RE. With the RMRL still fielding some new players, it was decided that the RE first team would be too strong at this stage of the season; the RE kindly fielded their Academy team and duly lost – 50-10 to the RMRL! Hopefully the RMRL will play their first team next season, and a more evenly-matched game may lead to this becoming an annual fixture.

With 2018 being the centenary year of the Royal Air Force, other commitments meant the Courage Cup (vs the RAF Regiment) was cancelled. Traditionally one of the season’s hardest matches, it is hoped that this fixture will be played next season.

The penultimate fixture of the 2018 season was the Birdsall Bowl (vs the Army Academy), which was played on the Armed Forces Weekend of Rugby League in Warrington. This event is gaining more and more attention each year and sees both military and civilian teams playing each other. This is a fantastic opportunity to get the RM Charity involved as there were stands from a wide range of military charities.

The fixture was played at the end of June in ferocious summer heat. With the RMRL squad growing in experience and confidence this was going to be a hard fixture for any opposition. The heat did not stop the RMRL putting on a great performance running out 40-12 winners.

The final fixture and the traditional blue-riband event was the Trafalgar Cup (vs the Parachute Regiment). This year the fixture was played at Taunton RUFC and as in previous years it was heavily supported. At this stage of the season the RMRL squad’s increased confidence was well deserved and rightly earned, but that didn’t prevent some pre-match nerves. For 10 of the 17 players, this was the first match against the Paras. The game as ever was hard fought and very physical. With the half-time score 12-10 to the RM, Head Coach Mne Stephen Riley (45 Cdo RM) delivered an inspirational half time team talk, and the players found another gear. The RMRL dominated in all areas of the field in the second half and the Paras had no answers. The final score read 54-16 to the RMRL, with Cpl Danny Oner (CTCRM) receiving the Man of the Match award. This result, combined with the walkover against the Courage Cup, meant that the RMRL was awarded the RL Tri-Services Trophy.

A fantastic year for silverware, (most of which will be on display at the RMSA Dinner!). A big thanks to the RMSA and the RM Charity; hopefully the RMRL will be able to retain all the trophies next year.

The RMRL President, vice-President and Chairman would like to pay tribute to the efforts of the coaching and management staff who, despite heavy work schedules, go out of their way to ensure the players are given the best opportunity to perform to the best of their ability. By doing so they not only ensure RL is kept alive and kicking in the Corps, but also further the reputation of the RM in the sporting sphere.

The current Corps squad is one of the best the RMRL has seen in its 20-year “history”, borne out by the following statistics;
12 Royal Marines were selected out of a squad of 20 for the Royal Navy’s State of Origin fixture.
3 Royal Marines have been selected for the Royal Navy first team.
All the RMRL squad have been selected for the RN Academy.
2 Royal Marines have represented Great Britain Armed Forces Rugby League. This number is expected to grow to 4-5 next season.

Any ranks wishing to play Rugby League in the RM are encouraged to get in touch with Sgt K Anderson, 45 Cdo Gym.