A MIXTURE of coaching and competition over two days has given the sport of rugby league a big boost within the Royal Marines.

The Corps championships, which attracted 60 players from five units, started with a day of training and instruction in the northern code.

Connor Gisson, formerly of the London Broncos, Mick Cook, Chris Chapman and Graham Davies (from Leeds Rhinos) gave of their own time and travelled some distance to explain the intricacies of the league game, and their enthusiasm, knowledge and patience was well received.

The players soon mastered the running into each other very fast and tackling hard element, but the scrummaging, tactical play, powers, roaches and face-offs required more thought. The competition itself took the form of a league knock-out event, with games played ten minutes each way.

All five teams faced each other, then the top two contested the final, with the third and fourth sides playing off as well.

The opening game between CTCRM and the Cdo Log Regt RM was a close, hard-fought affair, resulting in a 4-4 draw.

The fierce competitive spirit demonstrated by both teams set the standard for others to follow. As a result of the league phase, the final was to be a repeat of the opening game, with 45 Cdo and 40 Cdo playing for third place.

The final turned out to be a more clear-cut affair than the opener, with a buoyant CTCRM playing constructive rugby interspersed with flashes of individual brilliance. CTCRM ran out 20-5 winners, led superbly by Sgt Chris Richards, who was named player of the tournament.

As the rugby union season draws to a close, the rugby league season is getting into its stride. The Corps team has a number of fixtures up to September, including games against the Paras, the Metropolitan Police and Wigan St Pats. Anyone interested in playing should contact their UPTI.