Page 19 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

2 RIFLES
Members of the 2 RIFLES shooting team were selected following
a mini-competition within the Rear Operations Group
2 RIFLES v 1 SCOTS Football
During a brief respite from lockdown, a match during the ever-closing COVID window for 2 RIFLES Football Team had been arranged, a cheeky friendly of 2 RIFLES versus 1 SCOTS at Palace Barracks on the 07 Oct 20.
A youthful side of Chosen Men took to the field of play
and the first 20 minutes was a frenzied skirmishing attack of Riflemen harassing 1 SCOTS into continuous errors and creation of opportunities to take the lead. Unfortunately a lapse in our concentration saw 1 SCOTS capitalise on the error, and in a blink we were 1-0 down. Thereafter, a hotly debated referee call and
1 SCOTS were awarded a penalty. “The Cat” (CSjt McMillian) produced a save of real quality, rolling back the years to his youthful boldness. A second dubious call, and the penalty was re-taken knocking 2 RIFLES to 2 -0 down.
The Chosen Men rallied and were rewarded on the stroke of half-time, Rfn Parsons was sent clear, breaking through to slot home with ease; 2 – 1 at the blow of half-time.
Following a breather, 1 SCOTS capitalised on their change in ranks and furthered their advantage shortly after a return to the field, we were now at risk of a thrashing at 3- 1. Building on the hard work from the first half, 2 RIFLES re-took control of the game.
Showing no signs of easing their relentless attack on 1 SCOTS’ goal and time running out, Rfn Parsons dispatched a thunderous shot into 1 SCOTS net, rebalancing the
odds at 3-2. Confidence bubbling and sensing 1
SCOTS fatigue, the Chosen Men pushed forward.
2 RIFLES on the attack, the ball fell to Rfn Stanislaus; the Rifleman took a calm look
up at the goalkeeper. With the composure
of the Chosen Man incarnate, Rfn Stanislaus floated the ball into the top corner of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper a marooned and forlorn spectator.
The relentless effort, drive and commitment of all the Chosen Men who had grabbed the shirt was rewarded and the game finished 3 -3, a solid effort considering the 3-1 score at half time. CSjt Parker
Rfn Stanislaus floated the ball into the top corner of the goal
On the first of December, the RIFLES’ regular Battalions came together to compete in the Regiment’s very first operational shooting competition (OSC). Comprising of eight-man teams, each commanded by a junior
officer, competition was tight with strong performances across the board. 2 RIFLES were intent on accruing some silverware and so engaged the Regimental shooting team to aid them in selecting the very best shots from the Battalion’s Rear Operations Group. Over an eight-week period, the team were whittled down: undertaking specialist marksmanship instruction and application of fire across the core weapon systems of the fighting Rifleman. With
the team selected, focus sharpened on preparing each Rifleman for the compe- tition ahead. With each firer assigned an individual shooting practice to learn and master, responsibility and accountability for success lay with each member of the team, developing the competitive edge of each Rifleman.
On the first day of the competition, the Second Battalion entered with a strong showing, winning the pistol falling plates and scores in the urban contact assessment setting the tone for the high standard of
marksmanship the team would exhibit for
the remainder of the week. Indeed, when the competition came to a close, 2 RIFLES had competed valiantly, narrowly missing out on second place to a more experienced 4 RIFLES team. Nonetheless, individual displays of excel- lence came thick and fast, with a number of marksmen from 2 RIFLES finishing within the top ten of the competition. Of particular note, Rifleman Dumont secured third place overall and succeeded in winning the individual “Battle Marksman” event.
In high spirits, the team returned to Lisburn, safe in the knowledge that they had secured several pieces of silverware. Building upon the successes of this year, this is just the beginning for the Battalion shooting
team - with growing interest and passion for marksmanship, 2 RIFLES’ operational shooting team readjust and realign their sights onto next year’s events.
CSjt Robottom
2 RIFLES shooting team show off their silver
following a strong performance at The
Rifles Regimental Shooting Competition
RIFLES The Bugle 19
THE RIFLES INAUGURAL OPERATIONAL
SHOOTING COMPETITION