Community Rugby Delivers Navy Cup Classic as Sultan Triumph 

Under the lights at United Services Sports Ground, HMS Sultan and RAF Marham served up a thrilling contest that swung dramatically from one side to the other. Marham dominated the early exchanges, controlling possession and territory with sharp breaks and sustained pressure, but it was Sultan who struck first, crossing the line after a spell of pressure near the try area. A penalty soon followed, and with the wind denying an early conversion, Sultan still built an 8 – 0 lead before extending it with a second try to move 15 points clear. 

Marham refused to fold, finally breaking through with a well‑worked score to narrow the gap, though Sultan’s accuracy off the tee kept the scoreboard ticking. A spirited fightback saw Marham claw their way into the contest, with Matt Trede’s surging run and a second‑half try bringing them within touching distance. By the final quarter, Marham had edged ahead 20 – 18, their resilience rewarded as Sultan battled through yellow cards and mounting pressure. 

Yet the drama was far from over. With just minutes remaining, Sultan earned a penalty and calmly slotted the kick to snatch a 21–20 victory at the death. It was a pulsating finale to a match that epitomised community rugby—full of momentum swings, grit, and excitement. As Captain Mark Hamilton RN reflected, the result was the icing on the cake of an evening defined by atmosphere, resilience, and a contest worthy of the packed stand of supporters.  

He said, “...a great event last night at Burnaby Road.  Whilst the reSultant was the icing on the cake, I thought the atmosphere was perfect and really pleased to see the stand so full…I admit mainly with Sultan supporters!! 

An evening of rolling highs then lows…the first 5 minutes I thought they were going to hammer us, then we led 18 - 5 at half time, then we had 2 yellow cards and they took the lead and to then win with almost the final kick of the match allowed for a great game of rugby between the 2 sides.” 

HMS Sultan: E Varney, B Chaston, L Jarrett; J Henderson, G Robins; O Doyle, H Michie (C), A Brassington; E Bailey, C Gay, L Freemantle, K Baldry, H Jenkins, M Emtage, C Crawford. 

Replacements: D Jackson, B Hillier, R Myburgh, C Reid, S Hudd, E Cooper, L Turley, D Simms. 

RAF Marham: G Kelly, D Cooper, C Willis; S Clarkson, M Sleightholme; B Boocock, K Tillotson, S Freeman (C); S Greenidge, M Trede, B Phelps, T Dutton, C Renwick, J Leonard , B Wade (VC). 

Replacements: H Howlett, B Carter, J Matheison, E Wilson, C Boocock, L Carthy, M Barnsley, C Pearse.