Following on from a successful Wigan Bowl, the RMRL squad formed up at CTCRM for a short pre-season camp prior to an opening fixture against the Somerset Vikings. Professionally directed by WO1 Jake Robb, the coaching team led by former Navy and CS player CSgt Lee Rossiter, were put through their paces, concentrating on perfecting the basics. The squad contains a large spread of talented attacking players in all positions, so the emphasis was on the crucial defensive skills of tackle management and completion. The opening fixture was an opportunity for the coaches to see the players in action against a competitive Vikings side who, despite losing 76-6, left the RM team in no doubt that they’d been in a game.

The squad then moved north to Lancashire to play the annual memorial fixture at Wigan St Patricks. The game was played originally in memory of Liam ‘Elmsy’ Elms and Steven ‘Darbs’ Darbyshire, two RMRL and St Pats players who were tragically killed in Afghanistan. Sadly, Lt Cdr Ian Molyneux and Cpl Steve Curley have also been added to the roll of honour since the inception of the fixture. The families of all four men were present, with Callum, Darbs’ youngest son acting as the RM mascot and Ian’s two sons accompanying the RMA standard bearers. As always, the day was fantastically supported by the host club and the RMA, and the RMRLA would like to extend a huge thank you to both organisations for the reception provided, and we look forward to next year’s fixture. Particular thanks go to Jodie Whittle from St Pats. The RMRLA would also like to thank the members of the local ACF and the Wigan Warriors staff who were present.

To the match itself - St Pats are having a solid season to date, and named a strong side (as requested by Jake Robb). The marines started strongly against a very well drilled team, holding the hosts to one try apiece in the first twenty minutes (courtesy of LCpl Tom Loxam), before a few mistakes and some inexperience led to St Pats going in 34-4 at half time. Sgt John Coe crossed the whitewash in the second half, but a combination of fatigue and St Pats experience and sound completion led to the Corps conceding three tries in quick succession in the last 15 minutes. The match finished 54-10 in favour of the National Conference side, but the Corps can be proud of its performance. Steve Curley’s family presented RMRL stalwart Cpl Carl ‘Gilly’ Gilson with the Man of the Match award, and another long-serving player, Sgt Si Wright-Hider, was presented with the Heart of Courage award by Ian Molyneux’ family.

On the plus side the RM players definitely won the off-field battle with Gilly beating St Pats nominated man in the ‘Yard of Ale Challenge’ and the squad dominating the drinking games!

The squad already has a keen eye on the Trafalgar Cup fixture against the Parachute Regiment. The players’ attitude on and off the pitch and training ground reflects the enthusiasm in the squad to be named in the starting 17 for this game during this monumental year for the Corps as a whole. The squad will form up again at the end of May to play a couple of fixtures prior to touring Australia.

Capt Dave Maslen RM

Picture – RMRL and Wigan St Pats