Hosted at Esher Rugby Club on Friday the 8th of November, the US Military and British Army competed in what is hopefully to become an annual celebration of international friendship and cooperation between the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
The Duke of York’s School Military Band, conducted by Stephen Socci, opened for the match with a beautiful performance of their many different musical talents, followed by The Last Post played by LCpl Mike Thomas, Bugler from the Band of the Coldstream Guards.
Commencing shortly afterwards, the highly anticipated match began.
Off to an exhilarating start, the British Army dominated the pitch with a lead of 28-7 at half-time.
Reflecting the British crowd’s high spirits at half-time Brigadier James Cook OBE, Chairman of British Army Rugby, stated he believes that ‘the bonds we form playing rugby against each other and with each other are the same bonds we form at war or on operations around the world’.
Brigadier Cook OBE expressed his gratitude for having the ability to host this prestigious match for the first time, mentioning that ‘the American and the British Army have been fighting side-by-side since 1783’ and it is a reflection of their commitment and teamwork.
Cody Melphy, US army veteran and former Team USA fly-half for the late 2021 Tokyo Olympics, said it ‘was awesome to be able to converse with them on the field’ and that he couldn’t wait to go converse with them after.
After a short break, the second half continued with as much vigour and excitement as the first, if not more.
The US army started strong, commanding their territory and securing several try’s, however after a few missed conversions the game ended with a staggering victory of 47-17 to the British Army.
A phenomenal effort from both teams, especially considering the US military rugby team had only assembled four days prior to the match.
With high hopes from both countries for this to become an annual celebration of rugby, Remembrance and relationships, this concludes this year’s promisingly annual US Military vs British Army rugby match.
