The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy - Armed Forces Rugby League June 30, 2012

The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy is a Charity Amateur Rugby League Match held in memoriam of Private Thomas Sephton. Tom was an Infantry Soldier in The Mortar Platoon, The 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) – 1 MERCIAN. Tragically Tom died in July 2010 as a result of the wounds he received in Afghanistan on Operation Herrick 12.

Tom came from Penketh, Warrington and was an outstanding sportsman. For many years he played rugby for Crosfields Amateur Rugby League Football Club. At 18 Tom joined the army and went on to represent his Battalion where his skills and bravery on the rugby field drew admiration from all. It has been said of him that, “He was never one to shy away from any situation and put his body on the line for the team. He tackled well above his weight and was a pleasure to be with both on and off the pitch, a young man of honour with a wry sense of humor and a sharp wit, a man with courage that belied his stature and loyalty beyond measure”.

Tom was a key and influential part of the 2006 Crosfields ARLFC Under 16’s squad that swept all before them, winning the Under 16’s North-West Counties League Championship and reaching the National Cup Semi-Final. From this squad an impressive number of Toms’ team mates have gone on to achieve great things in their young rugby careers, playing professional Rugby League with Superleague clubs, Warrington Wolves, Saint Helens, Salford City Reds and Widnes Vikings. More are playing for Rugby League Championship clubs and Superleague Under 20 teams. Others have had a change of code and are playing Rugby Union for teams in Bath, New Zealand and France.

It was these young men who came up with the original concept of a charity fund raising rugby league match in memory of their friend. With the assistance of 1 MERCIAN and the Army Rugby League the match was made possible.

The Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy is contested for annually between a Crosfields ARLFC Select XIII and a Rugby League team from the UK Armed Forces. The match has grown into arguably the biggest amateur rugby league event in Warrington and the surrounding area.

The 3rd Annual Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy

On the 30th June 2012 - Armed Forces Day – At Crosfields ARLFCs, Hood Lane Recreation Ground. A Crosfields ARLFC XIII will take on the Army Rugby Leagues Corps Champions, The Royal Engineers, in the third annual Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy.

In addition, in a military rugby league double header, 1 MERCIAN RFC will take on a team from the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancasters’ Regiment – 1 LANCS in what is hoped will become an annual challenge match.

Preparations are underway to make The 2012 Tom Sephton Memorial Trophy the biggest and best event yet. The occasion was always meant to be a Military Charity Fundraiser and this years chosen charity is The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - SAAFA – Forces Help Charity. In particular, the Norton Homes projects at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court, Surrey.

Stands, stalls and displays from all parts of the military will be at the event, and there is PLENTY going on for everyone!!