Mariners Edge Eastern Region in Burnaby Road Battle

The Royal Navy Mariners opened their season with a 26 – 19 win over the Eastern Region in tough conditions at Burnaby Road. Despite late pressure from their opponents, the Mariners’ resilience and control secured a strong start to their campaign.

On a wet and windswept night at the United Services Sports Ground, the Royal Navy Mariners kicked off their season with a hard-fought victory over Eastern Region, overcoming challenging conditions both on and off the field. With the Head Coach and Manager unavailable due to operational commitments, the tight-knit backroom staff ensured the team was well-prepared and organised as the match got underway.

The opening 20 minutes reflected the difficult weather, with both teams struggling to handle the slippery ball and swirling wind, leading to a series of handling errors. Eastern Region struck first against the run of play on the half-hour mark, finishing well in the corner, though the conversion was missed. The Mariners responded positively, building sustained pressure deep in Eastern territory. That pressure paid off five minutes later when Anthony Burnside-Shonk powered over from close range, with Matty Horton adding the extras to give the Mariners a narrow 7 – 5 lead at the break.

A series of half-time changes brought fresh energy to the Mariners’ backline, and despite worsening conditions, they began to take greater control. Ten minutes into the second half, Horton crossed in the corner to extend the lead to 12 – 5, though the conversion drifted wide. The Mariners’ dominance grew as the game progressed, with slick interplay in midfield creating space for fullback Paul Saberton to score at the 56-minute mark. Rich Cadywould converted to make it 19 – 5. Saberton then secured his brace shortly after the hour, finishing clinically out wide. Although the conversion was narrowly missed, the Mariners held a commanding 19-point advantage.

To their credit, Eastern Region’s youthful side refused to give up, scoring two late tries, both converted, in the final five minutes to narrow the margin. However, the result was never in doubt, and the Mariners emerged victorious with a final score of 26 – 19.

It may not have been a game for the ages, but on a night that demanded resilience and pragmatism, the Royal Navy Mariners showed enough control, depth, and determination to start their season with a well-earned win. The match highlighted the talent and commitment of both squads, leaving the crowd at Burnaby Road thoroughly entertained. Well done to the Mariners on a strong start to their campaign!

Mariners (First Half): S Winfield, A John, A Burnside-Shonk; I Scovell, C Otway; W Murray, H Hales, C Carr (VC), R Cox, M Horton, M Hutton, M Southern, A McCohan (C), L Evans, P Saberton.
Mariners (Second Half): C Otway, M Jones, P Price, A Riley, I Scovell; E Gaught, C Hart, C Carr (VC); R Cox, R Cadywould, B Jones, M Southern, A McCohan (C), S Carr, M Horton.

Eastern Region: A Mather, C Coffin, T Coniam; J Henderson, D Gallon; O Doyle, B Jones, H Michie (C); E Wakeman, B Bailie (VC), N Kerr, K Baldry, H Johnston, M Bowser, B Coughlan.
Replacements: D Jackson, L Parry, C Reid, E Lawson, J Bailey, E Cooper, J Bosher, B Hillier, C Van De Walt, G Crawley, O Jordan, J Rowland, L Case, D Jolly.

Words by Tim Leeder

Images by Keith Woodland