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season. Additionally, WO2 (QMSI) J Gray’s commission into the AMS underscores his dedication and proficiency in his field. Lastly, Maj (MAA) D Boocock’s promotion to Lieutenant Colonel reflects his outstanding leadership qualities and commitment to excellence, further enhancing the Apostles’ reputation within the rugby community and beyond.
As the season draws to a close, we bid farewell to one of our own, Capt (MAA) G “Oz” Osborne, who leaves the Army following a historic Apostles victory. Capt Osborne’s contributions to the team have been immeasurable during his RAPTC career and his departure marked the end of an era for the Apostles. Yet, as they wish him and his family the best of luck in
The Apostles at the 2023 RAPTC Sports Dinner
their future endeavours, we know that his legacy will endure, serving as a source of inspiration for current and future Apostles.
In the annals of rugby history, the RAPTC Apostles RFC’s season will be remembered as a testament to the power of dedication,
Team Captain – SSgt (SSI) A Plumridge RAPTC
determination, and teamwork. Through their firm resolve, they proved that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. As they look towards the future, the Apostles stand ready to face whatever challenges come their way, united in their pursuit of Apostlehood!
RAPTC Squash President, Maj (MAA) R Windard presents a team shirt to SSgt (SSI) M Paynter-Hetherington
to the event, as a result, we managed to field two teams, with reserves, and with two females (Sgt Laura Ward and SSgt Megan Paynter-Hetherington) which is a great team effort. Both teams were in Division 3 and the “A” team managed to win the league and the “B” team came second securing a double promotion to Division 2.
In the coming season we have plans to visit France and Blackpool, with Japan planned for 2025. The future of RAPTC Squash is bright, we will always be open to members of our Corps who want to try this fast paced, dynamic sport and become part of the next chapter of RAPTC Squash.
RAPTC SQUASH
WO2 (QMSI) A Wilson RAPTC
How do you emulate an Overseas Sports Visit (OSV) to Thailand? I shouldn’t have worried; this year
has been one of the best yet! Not only because of our OSV to Mauritius, but our on-court achievements have been beyond any form of expectation.
The year started with the RAPTC Sports Dinner Awards where we saw WO2 (QMSI) Stoby nominated for RAPTC Sportsman of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award to Capt “Shaun” Carey who’s been around RAPTC Squash since WW2.
In September, we held our RAPTC Squash Championships in Stafford, not only would this dictate the seedings for the imminent OSV, but it would also allow the team to attend the RAPTC Service of Commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA). In a closely fought final, WO2 “AJ” Wilson walked away with the Championship. (Although WO2 “Ash” Stoby, did file an official complaint about the standard of Shaun Carey’s refereeing skills).
We also launched the RAPTC Squash Instagram page which has enabled us to reach a wider audience and boost our recruitment potential. We have now more players than ever before, with 19 active
players, which will hopefully generate the next Corps No 1.
I’ll confess that Mauritius did raise a few eyebrows as a destination. However, we also knew what was on offer if we could get it over the line. Not only did we have full access to a full glass court, we also had access to two Ex professional squash players as our coaches. (Adam Auckland and Coline Aumard (former world number 20)) this was an opportunity too good to miss. That being said, you can’t go to Mauritius and not see the island, we had snorkelling a plenty, swimming with dolphins and several stories of how WO2 “Dave” Read can take his whole family to Cyprus for £500, SSgt “Besty” Best spending all of his spending money on a pair of squash shoes, and Capt “Shaun” Carey getting half the team lost at sea!
Returning from Mauritius was a challenge, WO2 “Dave” Read’s biceps hadn’t got any bigger, and everyone’s squash game had been stripped down and rebuilt. (I guess that’s what happens when you get the professionals in). We didn’t have much time to adjust because we had the Army Inter-Corps Championships to contend with. In preparation, we held our first ever RAPTC Squash training camps leading up
RAPTC Squash Team Members in Mauritius
RAPTC Squash Members 2023
RAPTC Squash Team Members at a Waterfall