Royal Run Riot in Inverdale Opener

In a thrilling display of power and precision, the Royal Marines dominated the Fleet Air Arm, scoring a total of 11 tries in this Inverdale Challenge competition opening game. The match, played under ideal conditions at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) showed that Royal are the team to beat.

The home side took full advantage of the stiff breeze in the first half, using it to their benefit to gain territorial advantage. The Fleet Air Arm, despite having the initial use of the sloping pitch, struggled to contain the relentless attacks from the Marines.

Fly half Sgt Richard Cadywould was in exceptional form, converting 8 out of the 11 tries, demonstrating his accuracy and composure; his performance was a key factor in the Marines’ overwhelming victory.

The match was a feast of one-sided running rugby, with the Royal Marines displaying excellent ball-handling skills and teamwork. Their ability to maintain high intensity throughout the game was evident as they continuously broke through the Fleet Air Arm’s defences. The WAFU’s certainly had their moments but were unable to break through the bootnecks stubborn defence.

The Royal Marines management team had a difficult job picking a player of the match after such a complete team performance, but after careful deliberation, the award was given to their flanker, Marine David, who carried the ball hard and led from the front in the tackling department.

Overall, it was a comprehensive victory for the Royal Marines, who left no doubt about their dominance on the field. The Fleet Air Arm, despite their best efforts, were unable to match the pace and power of their opponents.

This match will be remembered for the Royal Marines’ impressive display of skill and strength, setting a high standard for future encounters in this year’s reduced format competition.

Royal Marines: B Nel, A O'Brian, H Bateman; H Elliott, B Charlton; G David, N Watt, D Brown; A Peterson, R Cadywould, C Attwood, L Tomlinson, J Ryder, R Hall, H Gliddon.

Replacements: J Loveday, C Goldsmith, J Creese, R Boon, D Seals, T Day, F Elliott.

Fleet Air Arm: J Reynolds, B Rees, T Blackburn; T Ashton, C Kerr; J Donaldson, T Humphries, C Postle; R Cox, H Mayes (C), R Rokotogelevu, C Black, D Waryck, J Perry, J Brown.

Replacements: SB Bolekovo, Bobo, A Greenland, C Jones, N Holder, J Belcher, A Coopey.

Words by P Clark

Images by Joe Burt