IN support of the community engagement side of this year’s rugby World Cup, Royal Navy Rugby Union hosted the second beach festival in Weymouth.

A total of 18 teams descended on the town to test their skills on the unique surface of energy sapping sand.

The rugby rule book was diluted down and games officiated by a large cadre of Royal Navy referees in order so that the teams could play expansive, open play.

Following some creative organisation all the teams headed into the knockout phases with a plate and cup for the winning teams.

The plate final was contested by Commando Logistics Regt (CLR) and Commando Training Centre RM leading to the possibility of the Royal Marines having a beach rugby clean sweep.

The spoils went to CLR, romping to a five tries to one win.

With the stands brimming with support, the four semi-finalists in the cup stood primed.

HMS Seahawk, who had beaten HMS Heron in an all airmen quarter- final took on a pumped 30Cdo A team with the Marines winning by the smallest of margins.

The second semi saw HMS Raleigh take on a combined HMS Ocean and 1AGRM.

Again the differences between the teams slight, with the HMS Raleigh edging out the amphibious boys.

In the final, HMS Raleigh and 30Cdo locked horns.

In what was a thrilling showdown, a penalty on 30Cdo try line gave the Marines the impetus and, with the clock ticking down for a final push with the score deadlocked at 4-4, they crossed for a final try to lift the cup.

  • The RNRUs’ thanks go to QinetiQ for sponsoring the event with Maritime MD, Sarah Kenny for presenting the medals and cup alongside RNRU VP Rear Adm Keith Beckett. Thanks also go to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.