ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS 10 – 42 SHEFFIELD EAGLES ACADEMY

On Wednesday 17th March at 7.30pm the Royal Marines Rugby League took on a well drilled Sheffield Eagles Academy at Clifton Lane the home of Rotherham Titans RFC.

This was to be the first time that these 2 clubs had faced each other and it is seen as a great challenge for the Royal Marines in there first fixture of the season. The fixture lived up to all expectation as from the kick-off both teams set down markers for a quick attacking and strong defensive game.

The Eagles attacked from the kick-off and pushed the Marines into there own 20m, it was only some stalwart defence from the Marines Full-back Warrant Officer ‘Nobby’ Clarke that stopped and early try. This gave the Marines the kick they needed and they hit back with strong drives from former GB bobsleigh Marine Lee Johnston and Warrant Officer Chris Richards making good yardage on each run. It was to be the pattern for the first 25 mins of the game that saw the young Eagles attacking from every quick play of the ball only to be stopped by some excellent defensive work by the Marines.

It was however to be the Marines that opened the scoring with Chris Richards again making good yardage before offloading to centre Steve Riley who sliced through an unusually disorganised defence. They try went unconverted 0-4 after 21 mins.

I wasn’t until just before half time that the Eagles pulled a try back after some good work from the Eagles right wing saw them score out wide 4-4 Half time.

Several injuries to key players on the Marines side saw them enter the 2nd half depleted but showing no lack of willpower and determination to push the Eagles back to there own line on several occasions. Eventually this pressure lead to a second try by the Marines which Reiley converted 4-10. 50 mins

This second try shocked the Eagles into action and as the Marines concentration lapsed on several occasion allowing the Eagles back into the game and levelling the score at 10-10. From the 60th minute onwards the young Eagles showed Marines that only 1 days training would not be enough against a team that had played and training together for weeks before this game. Every small mistake or gap in the Marine defence was punished by the Eagles. However, in true Royal Marine style the team never gave up. This was a spirited performance by the Royal Marines in there first game of the season with several new players from the rugby union. Head Coach Sergeant Richie Guy said ‘ This was a great performance by the Corps team, better than I could have expected’ he went on to say ‘We had many new players from the rugby union who until yesterday had never play Rugby League before, everyone of them performed well’. Of Sheffield Eagles Richie said ‘They are a great young team who have huge potential all our best to them for the forthcoming season I am sure they will do well’.

Next week see the Royal Marines take on Rochdale Mayfield at Keswick Street, Castleton, Kick-off 7.30pm. This will be there 2nd match in the run up to the Trafalgar Cup on the April 1st at Leeds Rhinos ground against there all time rivals the Parachute Regiment.