A last minute field goal by the Royal Marines gave them a 1 point victory over the NSW Tertiary Student Rep team in their match played at New Era Stadium , Cabramatta, on Monday night 30 June.
In an open and fast-paced match that saw the lead change several times, Royal Marines five eight James Cadyworth, with only seconds left of the clock, potted the one-pointer from 20 metres out and right in front. Only minutes previously the Students had scored to level at 36 all and that looked likely to be the final score until the host team conceded a penalty, giving the Marines possession and field position to make its last match-winning play.
Although the NSW boys opened the score in the 6th minute, the Marines looked the better side in the opening stanza, showing the benefit of playing a previous tour match against St George District A Grade team, Renown. They skipped away to a 18-6 break and held it until well into the half before the Students hit back with two late tries to go to the break 18 all.
Scoring tit for tat in the second half no side seemed to have the upper hand and whilst a draw could arguably have been the most appropriate result, the Marines never say die attitude was enough to get them the win.
Of the many highlights of the match was the exceptional goal-kicking of both Steve Spilios from NSW and the Marines Cadyworth, both of whom kicked conversions from all over the field and whilst Cadyworth missed with his only penalty attempt, his field goal made ammends.
The NSW team now prepare for its match against the Queensland Residents Student team in their annual clash for the Tas Baitieri Tertiary Challenge Cup, which will be played in Coffs Harbour on 12 July.
Man of the Match: Dave Fairbrother (Royal Marines)
NSW Tertiary Students Player Player: Sean McKenzie
Royal Marines Players Player: Dave Fairbrother
Royal Marines 37 (Tries: Guy Glastonbury 2, Mel Gilmour, Tom Loxan, Lee Causby, Jimmy Carter, Goals: James Cadyworth 6, Filed Goal: James Cadyworth) bt NSW Tertiary Students 36 (Tries: Chad Borger, Daniel Lambert, Steve Spilios, AJ Poko, Shane Coppell, O’Neil Anguna, Goals: Steve Spilios 6)
