The Infantry laid down an early marker in the new Army rugby league season as they triumphed over the Royal Artillery in the inaugural 1925 Cup clash.
Played in the prestigious grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company, the fixture marked the 100th anniversary of the first meeting between the two sides—an affair that was staged distinctly under the radar given the sport was not officially recognised by the Army at the time.
The latest encounter proved a bruising affair, with the physicality of both squads at the fore as tries from Fus Ratu Malakai Leiloma (RRF), Rfn Archie Sawyer (Rifles), and Gdsm Shaun Duthie (SG) helped steer the Infantry to a 14-0 win.
With a number of senior players called into the Army squad for their clash with St Helens, head coach Sgt Chris King (R Irish) was able to blood an array of newcomers—many of whom caught the eye.
“We only had four players from last season, the rest we had never seen before, so it was almost a brand-new team,” he told SoldierSport.
“It was a physical game and we can now see that those players can compete.
“As coaches, it was a bit of a shock to see how well they have done.
“Pte Jamie Stringer (Para) is just 19 and only passed out of depot a few months ago, but he did not look out of place in what was his first game of military rugby league. He did not put a foot wrong.
“We have used this fixture as an exhibition, and these new guys have shown the others that they have something to fight against, whereas before they would probably walk back into the team.
“That is great for the Infantry, as well as the Army set-up afterwards.”
King’s attention now turns to the Lawson Cup and the Infantry’s bid to lift the trophy for a third successive season.
“Having seen that performance today we are confident,” he added.
“We have gone into the previous finals as underdogs but came out on top—people have to fear us now.”
