Late Heroics Secure Royal Marines Win

The Royal Marines claimed a thrilling 26-15 victory over Plymouth & Exeter Medical School in the annual Medics Rugby Challenge at Brickfields on Friday night. Level at 12-12 at half-time, the tightly fought contest saw the Marines pull ahead in the second half, with forward Jordan Warren’s dramatic last-minute try, following a late Medics turnover, sealing the win.

With just four points separating the teams in the dying moments, the Medics, desperate to snatch a win, attempted to run the ball from their own 22 in the final play. However, a turnover allowed Warren to capitalise, sealing a 26 - 15 triumph for the Royal Marines.

The match, played in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Plymouth Albion’s home ground, was a closely contested affair throughout. At half-time, the scores were locked at 12 - 12, and the game remained finely balanced until the final whistle.

The Royal Marines, featuring Plymouth Argaum’s Tom Worboys and coached by Karl Sullivan, made an explosive start, with full-back Shim Roets crossing in the right corner for a converted try in the opening minute. However, the Medics, whose line-up included Devonport Services’ Bertie Fordham and Mike Howell, responded swiftly. Centre Ioan Phillips capitalised on a loose ball, kicking ahead and winning the race to touch down.

Midway through the first half, the Marines were temporarily reduced to 14 men, and the Medics took full advantage. A well-executed maul saw Danny Turland crash over for a converted try, with Howell adding the extras to give the students a 12 - 7 lead.

The Medics’ advantage was short-lived, as the Marines struck back within four minutes. Prop Luke Townsend powered over from close range to level the scores, although the conversion was surprisingly missed. Howell then had an opportunity to edge the Medics ahead with a penalty, but his effort drifted wide, leaving the teams deadlocked at the break.

The second half saw the Marines gain the upper hand. Eleven minutes after the restart, John Tyler crossed the whitewash following sustained pressure, with the conversion extending their lead to 19 - 12. The Medics, however, refused to back down and enjoyed a strong spell midway through the half. They reduced the deficit to four points with a penalty and came agonisingly close to taking the lead, squandering two golden opportunities – one with an overlap on the left and another from a five-metre line-out.

The Marines’ resolute defence held firm, and as the clock ticked down, they pinned the Medics deep in their own 22. With time expired, the students had no choice but to run the ball from their own line. A costly turnover ensued, and Warren was on hand to dive over, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Royal Marines’ supporters.

The final score of 26-15 reflected a hard-fought encounter, with both sides demonstrating doggedness in a match that will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion.

After the match, Team Manager Alan ‘Sully’ Sullivan said, I’m extremely proud of the lads that pulled on the Corps shirt against the medics, it’s a game that holds great significance for after its inception during the Afghanistan campaign in 2009. Pulling a team together is always a challenge for us. With the current tempo of global operations, player availability is always tough. Having the squad together the evening before a game is not optimal, but as always, they have delivered what was asked of them.

The Medics team are always great opposition on and off the field, and this evenings game was no different. They were unlucky not to get more points on the board. After a great start by the RM, our game became scrappy and struggled to get any momentum going. Some stout defence in the second half, is ultimately what secured the win. We had some debutants for the RM this evening. Notably Marine Charlie Crawley at Number 8 with a Man of the Match performance.

Tragically this week we lost one of the boys Marine Josh Houghton, the win tonight is dedicated to him.”

Royal Marines: B Nel, A O'Brien, L Townsend; W Scott (C), K Young; T Worboys, R Racaca, C Over; R Hargreaves, R Cadywould, J Ryder, T Candita Simpkins, L Tomlinson, J Holt, S Roets.

Replacements: A Lynch, D Seals, J Hoffman, J Warren, C Greaves, J Tyler, T Harris, G Wilson

Images by Kyle Baker