WITH Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium under refurbishment, Royal Navy Rugby League (RNRL) settled on Penns Place and Petersfield RFC as the venue for their 17th State of Origin match.

Initially begun as a final selection run out for the RNRL squad, the fixture has gained much more weight and players represent either the Maroon (western) team or the Blue (eastern) team.

It was a busy day in sweltering heat which opened with the VCC field gun competition between cadets from HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood, which ended with honours even.

The RNRL Ladies then staged a grassroots coaching session, with about 20 youngsters joining in.

The first fixture of the day was a veterans’ match, the inaugural Masters’ Origin match, with the Blues representing the Eastern Commands and a Petersfield select side representing the Maroons and the West.

The sides swapped the lead a few times before the Maroons ran away with the game in the final quarter to win 40-12.

This was followed by the main State of Origin match between the Maroons and the Blues. The game kicked off following the presentation of the teams to Petersfield Mayor Hilary Ayer.

The Maroons came out of the blocks quickest and led 16-6 at half time. The Blues levelled the match after 60 minutes with a brace of tries, but the Maroons quickly retook the lead before scoring three more tries to win 34-16.

In addition to the rugby, the day raised £500 for Royal Navy charities and £500 for Home-Start Butser.