Page 119 - Wish Stream 2023 CREST

Inter-Company sports was a true highlight of the Junior Term. In the cross country, tug of war and football, members of Somme Coy emerged vic-
torious, having sprinted, grunted, and punted their way to ultimate success. The PTI staff bid a fond farewell to the SMI, who had raised the standard to the one we all enjoyed, and OCdt Mathers raised the trophy on a proud day for the Company.
This term also saw a personal foray into the world of competitive orienteering which provided an excellent challenge and a welcome opportunity to hone my newfound navigational skills. After a few practice routes on Barossa, it was time to attend a competition under the experienced watch of Maj Brett RE. Once the Academy’s orienteers from across the three terms had successfully found their way to the minibus, we ventured to Hornley Com- mon. The route started in a close woodblock and wound its way around another fairly non-descript military training area. At times, it was difficult not to become demoralised by the hordes of OAPs
Juniors Sport
OCdt Graham
breezing past, entirely at one with their specialist thumb-compasses and EMIT markers. However, we zig-zagged onwards and a few of the Sand- hurst contingent came away with very respectable times and a proud first place in the ‘Long Orange’ course for one member of my platoon.
In marked contrast, 13 Plt were not quite so suc- cessful in the second iteration of Inter-Company sport. Namely, the swimming gala. Despite best efforts, the majority of the swimmers in the platoon reached their LOE by about the 20m point, gasp- ing, splashing, and mauling the races to the finish. Gaza took the win with 13 Plt placed dead last. Fortunately for 13 Plt, the OC’s interests lie beyond the pool and so training had begun in earnest for the final clash of the companies, in the form of the Steeplechase. We were anticipating strong per- formances, with the first finishers having precious extra minutes to bull their boots and practice rifle drill before parading in front of the King the follow- ing day for the 200th Sovereign’s Parade.
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