Page 61 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

The fireworks that marked the culmina- tion of LD30 also signalled the start of The Light Dragoons’ cricket tour to Spain. With Jet2 announcing baggage fares north of a hundred pounds, SSgt Russell volun- teered to take the advanced party on a road trip through France to Desert Springs, only a stone’s throw away from North Africa in Spain. Forty-eight hours later, with the luggage and equipment safely at the desti- nation, the main party arrived at Alicante airport with Tpr Woodhouse practising his bowling action while waiting for Tpr Bailey to pick us up. The late arrival at the resort prompted a senior management meeting while the others slipped off for an early night.
Although training started at half past eight the following morning, the team initially struggled with the heat. All were grateful for the premium water package that we purchased from Desert Springs. Our team captain, Cpl Bowden, sensibly opted for short and sharp sessions in order to keep everyone focused but ensured that indi- viduals could get used to the conditions. The squad enjoyed batting on the dry, flat Spanish wickets rather than the undulat- ing, green wickets of North Yorkshire. Training included the traditional bowling and batting in the nets but culminated in a cricket Olympics, where teams had to score points at varying stands from six-hitting to the cricket ball throw. Morale was high in camp and that evening the seniors had the team round for supper at their flat where team selection was announced for the first squad match the following day.
As members of the British Army, we have been lucky to travel to the corners of the
world. However, we were all in agreement that the cricket pitch at Desert Springs was unlike anything that any of us had seen before. It was an extraordinary place! In the middle of the desert lay a lush green oval, surrounded by a traditional white picket fence and large flag poles gently blowing in the sea breeze. The squad match was a great opportunity for the players to feel some pressure with the bat and ball. Tpr Taylor and Cpl McDonnell’s performances earnt them a place in the top 3 for the fol- lowing day’s first match vs Grenada CC. LCpl Fox and Sgt Jeffries looked most
dangerous with the ball. With the squad match finishing with plenty of time left in the day, the team were able to explore what Desert Springs had to offer. Captain Addison coached Cpl Newton and LCpl Gordon on the padel tennis court while Mr Elkington led the charge in the gym. On the other side of the resort, the team captain and Mr Doggart challenged SSgt Russell and Cpl McDonnell to 18 holes which was halved on the last. Cpl Bowden is not shy to give a shot by shot run down of the final few holes.
The following day was what we had all been waiting for, our first fixture of the tour against Spanish opposition. The senior management were slightly disappointed with the Desert Springs staff who prom- ised an array of opposition throughout our stay. Instead, we were to play Grenada CC in the first three fixtures of the tour over the weekend, two T20 matches and a 40-over game. Despite expecting Spanish opposition, Grenada CC were made up of expats from all ages, including some very handy Australians.
The Light Dragoons soldiers bought into the spirit of cricket, not being shy to sledge the batsmen but never stepping over the line. It was no surprise that the Aussies were happy to give it back. Due to the length of this report, I won’t go into how each game ebbed and flowed but instead highlight some of the stronger perfor- mances from the week. Two of the three matches against Grenada CC came down to the final ball, each time with The Light Dragoons showing the temperament to hold on. In his rookie season, Cpl Newman has shown the greatest improvement hav-
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
The Light Dragoons Cricket Tour – Spain
Cpl Bowden
The Desert Springs Desperados
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