A lunchtime kick off on Thursday 8 September 2005 could not dissuade the many veterans who arrived at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines for the annual Tunney Cup veterans fixture. Even the likes of Ian ‘Mitch’ Michelsen, Kev ‘Cheesy’ Cheeseman and Johnny ‘Big Boy’ Byrne were on time, and as we all know, they love their lunchtime.

It has been a sombre year for the RMFA, due to the sad loss of our close friend and admired colleague, Ricky Walton, who tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident. So we were honoured and privileged to have his Brother Gary & Sister Lorraine and His young son Josh as our guests for the day.

On completion of the Kays catalogue team photo shoot, superbly orchestrated by team captains George (does my bum look big in these shorts) Kent and Sammy (I used to be a 30 inch waist) Boyiadjis, the Marine Troy Robson Memorial Trophy got underway.

With George Kents’ team talk still ringing in their ears (some of us may not be here next year fellas) the Laurels started as if some of them might not be here tomorrow. However slightly against the run of play the Globes took the lead on 6 minutes when skipper Sammy Boyiadjis turned back the clock & slotted home with a right foot strike.

Undeterred the Laurels continued to press forward and create chances, with Kev Cheeseman heading just over from a Steve Marr cross (Yes you read correctly, a Steve Marr cross) and Globes keeper Bob Fardoe almost getting caught out by a freak (No not Trev Ford) gust of wind that almost saw the ball bounce over his head.

On 20 minutes Johnny Byrne picked up the ball (and tried to eat it because he missed scran) in the centre circle and turned to survey his options. A spectator commentated that the turn was reminiscent of a similar turn conducted by HMS HERMES whilst conducting ‘Man Overboard’ drills in PLYMOUTH SOUND in 1975.

A large cheer went up on 25 minutes when YEOVILS answer to the Jolly Green Giant, Stew Bratherton came on for the Laurels. He was somewhat unimpressed though when match referee Brian Hughes (& his guide dog) sent his caddy off. Wrong game Stew.

Robbie Buglass picked up a yellow card for deliberate handball and an almighty goalmouth scramble in Bob Fardoe’s penalty box came to nothing (someone had shouted cheeseburger). Al Rylatt let fly with a 25 yard screamer which was brilliantly tipped over by Bob Fardoe and Neal Frame (Navy coach driver) also fired over when well placed. Tempers became slightly frayed and both Stevie Marr and Johnny Byrne were both warned by the referee for throwing their weight around (and there is plenty of that between them). With half time approaching George Kent robbed Gary Robison (Commandant CTCRM) of his identity, of the ball, ran half the length of the pitch unchallenged, before shooting just wide. The final action of the first half saw Angus Hepburn accidentally on purpose elbow Martin Sharp which resulted in a small wound above his starboard eye, much to the amusement of brother David Sharp (MBE).

Half time team talks ran along the lines of, "We will play much better up the hill lads", to, "Play little triangles boys", which obviously delighted the Sharp twins. Ceri Lewis (Laurels keeper) could only manage half a tour and was replaced in the sticks by Dondo Pearson. Gary Walton & ET Parkes kept plugging away for the Globes (Talking of plugs, Tommy Mcphee was unable to make the game).

Match officials Brian Hughes, Ian Harley and Sean Morgan-Smith all assisted by their guide dogs got the second half underway and Dondo Pearson superbly saved an early strike from Ricky "the back flip" Miller. Johnny Byrne tried to rein act PELE’S bicycle kick from the classic war film Brum Daley’s Heroes, Escape to Victory, but unfortunately ended up conducting more of a Penny Farthing kick, much to the delight of the hundreds and thousands in the crowd.

Unfortunately there was an unsavoury incident of wanton, deliberate criminal damage when Gary Robison smashed a cracking strike just wide but which unfortunately bounced off a Blue Vauxhall Cavalier SRI, VRN, K477 OCV (apologies to the owner for any damage caused). On 66 minutes Angus Hepburn made it 2-0 to the Globes with a sweetly struck left foot shot, which flew past fellow scuffer Dondo Pearson (much to Dondo’s disgust).

Ian Michelsen was duly booked for standing on the ball and bursting it (first & only time he’s ever been on the ball). Shortly afterwards Dave"i am posh ive got a double barrel name" Somerton-Rees made it 3-0 closely followed by number 4 from Sammy Boyiadjis. However Sammy was soon to turn villain as he brought down Jimmy Lyons in the penalty box and Stevie Marr (yes Steve Marr, I know its mad innit) stroked home the resulting penalty. A Tony Blandon own goal (another one to his collection) a minute from time gave a slightly harsh reflection to the score line, but the Laurels failure to convert their chances in the first half had cost them dear and the Globes had run out 5-1 winners.

The 2005 Marine Troy Robson Memorial Trophy was presented by RMFA Chairman Mike Geldard to the winning Globes skipper Sammy Boyiadjis.

After a few cold beers and a superb BBQ, the veterans settled back to watch and critique the 2005 Tunney Cup Final between 40 Cdo RM and UKLF CSG.

After a cracking final which resulted in a victory for 40 Cdo RM (3-2 AET) third half hostilities continued in the Moody Brook bar of the Sergeants Mess.

There was a minor incident at the main gate of the camp which resulted in Colin Thomas (40 Cdo RM G1 Adviser) administering Minor Sanctions to Brum Daly, Paul Collinson, Mick Travers, Gary Walton, Bungy Williams, Harry Holding and ET Parks. Apparently all were trying to gain entry into a MOD establishment without their ID/Red Cards, and trying to convince the camp security staff that they were the 1970s pop group KOOL IN THE GANG (top civilian attire lads).

The Veterans were joined in the Moody Brook by the boys from the victorious 40 Cdo RM side (along with their RSM, WO1(RSM) Ian McGill RM), all of whom had been kindly invited into the Mess by the CTCRM RSM, WO1(RSM) Bruce Riach RM. With old and new Corps footballers spinning dits well into the night, the curtain came down once more on another cracking fixture.

See you all again next year folks for more fun and frolics with the RMFA Vets.