Pictures John Hopkins
THE Army took the honours on Armed Forces Day as they triumphed 16-34 against hosts Crosfields RLFC to lift the Tom Sephton Trophy in memory of the young Warrington soldier who was sadly killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010.
The day involved three games of Rugby League surrounded by lots of community engagement to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
In the opening game between Crosfields A team and the Army Development 13, after a close first half which ended 4-8, the army took control in the second half running out 4-42 winners.
Then in the Coleridge Cup, in honour of former Afghan veteran Tom Coleridge, the Lancashire Regiment triumphed 48-10 over the Mercian Regiment.
In the final game of the day the Army took the honours 16-34 over Crosfields to lift the Tom Sephton Trophy, in memory of the 20-year-old former Warrington soldier who died during active service in Afghanistan in July 2010.
Thanking all those who took part in the event organiser Al Boyle said of the three games of rugby:”To the Army Rugby League Development and Crosfields A Team players who stepped up at the last minute, THANK YOU! Getting the rugby off to a bang in fantastic style, with no quarter given, couldn’t ask for a more entertaining game.
To the Mercian Regiment and Duke of Lanc’s Regiment teams, THANK YOU for providing one of the toughest, most uncompromising games of rugby league ever. You are a true credit to your Regiments … be proud, I certainly am.
“To the Crosfields XIII and Army Rugby League Senior Teams, THANK YOU! In what can be only described as a ‘hotly contested’ game (in more ways than one!) your commitment to each other and the spectacle on show was incredible. The result coming down to the wire (again!) is a true testament to every man on the pitch. Can there be a more fitting way to mark the memory of a friend and comrade?”
Plans are now already underway for Warrington Armed Forces Day 2024 and the THIRTEENTH Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy at Crosfields RLFC Saturday 29th June 2024 – The last Saturday in June.
Winners!! Congratulations Army RL!! @sephtontrophy @ArmedForcesDay @ArmyRugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/PQ3idVNymp
— Rachel Seddon (@RS_HJLegal) June 24, 2023
Lovely day for it! @CrosfieldsRugby @ArmyRugbyLeague @HughJamesLegal @hjmilitaryclaim pic.twitter.com/NYSxesWT0c
— Rachel Seddon (@RS_HJLegal) June 24, 2023
Three great games of Rugby League at @CrosfieldsRugby today. Photos are on the way @sephtontrophy @ArmyRugbyLeague @MercianRegiment @LANCS_REGT @ukafrugbyleague @soldiermagazine #ArmedForcesDay pic.twitter.com/FwKjOju7k7
— John Shirras (@john_shirras) June 24, 2023
A civic welcome from the @WarringtonMayor
Yesterday the @ArmyRugbyLeague 1st & Development teams had a fantastic training session… on the pristine lawns of the #Warrington Town Hall
Invited by @WarringtonBC to help celebrate @ArmedForcesDay how could we refuse 😁#Rugby pic.twitter.com/Vo30rdPzLF
— Army Rugby League (@ArmyRugbyLeague) June 23, 2023
