Page 62 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
ing never held a cricket bat back in March to scoring in double figures in the games on tour. One of our aims this season was to make cricket inclusive no matter of experi- ence and he showed others that commit- ment to training and matches will earn opportunities.
In the first T20 match vs Grenada CC, they batted first and posted a strong 136. Cpl Bowden starred with the ball with figures of 3-2 and Captain Addison with a 14-ball over. Although in early trouble with the bat, SSgt Russell and Cpl Bowden brought us home with a last ball victory scoring 39 and 37 respectively. A nervy 4-wicket vic- tory to The Light Dragoons.
Our second match that day saw a more one-sided affair. Cpl McDonnell got us off to a flying start scoring 21, however there was a top order collapse. Cpl Bowden came in at 6 to score a quick 41 with Mr Doggart with a late 32 at the end of the innings. The LDs mustered 153 off their 20 overs. In return, Grenada CC were troubled by the accurate spin of Tpr Bailey and the guile of LCpl Fox. It was LCpl Munt who took the spoils with 4-23 of his 4 overs. A men- tion has to go to Sgt Jeffries for picking up his first ever wicket in competitive cricket. Grenada only managed 103 thus giving The Light Dragoons a 50 run victory.
In the 40 over game vs Grenada, The Light Dragoons found themselves 86-8, staring down the barrel of a quick defeat. However, Tpr Taylor (A Sqn), led the resurgence with a quick 40 and was joined by Mr Doggart (88) at the other end, putting 120 on for the 8th wicket with the team finishing on 205. This gave the LDs confidence going into the second innings where Grenada got off to a flyer against our opening bowlers. SSgt Russell and Mr Elkington brought us back
The Crafty LCpl Fox
into the game, taking the wicket of their youngster who was set on 66. Grenada needed 2 off the last ball, however we were saved by the fielding of Tpr Woodhouse. What a thriller under the late Spainsh sun. It was the culmination of a brilliant week- end of cricket vs opposition who asked that we do our next tour to Grenada. It could be a great place to tour and they now have a framed LD cap and T-Shirt in their new pavilion.
There was no rest for the tourists as we bounced straight into two more T20 matches vs Andalucia CC. On arrival, their captain assured us that some players had international experience and this caused murmurs of worry in The Light Dragoons’ changing room. Rumours were soon quashed by LCpl Gordon, ripping through their side and reducing their batting total to 98. With figures of 6-16, it was a truly outstanding performance and deserving of the match ball. After some dodgy bowling performances earlier in the tour, Captain Addison was keen to make amends. The 98 was no issue for him as he carted ‘interna- tional bowlers’ to all parts of the ground scoring 52* off very few balls.
Lt Elkington
The final match was once again against Andalucia CC. Having won the toss, we chose to bat. The self-proclaimed ‘Scarborough Express’, LCpl Fox, showed us that his big hitting can last more than 6 balls. Here, he launched their attack to all parts of the ground finishing tantalisingly close to his maiden hundred on 91. This performance of the tour set us up nicely with 145 off 20 overs. In reply, LCpl Munt and Tpr Bailey spun The Light Dragoons to a fifth and final victory of the tour, win- ning by 44 runs.
The tour was a great success, enjoyed by all that were a part of it. In the final few days we were able to travel around the local area, trying different foods by the beach and up in the hills. After a long 12 months and with busy schedules ahead, it was the perfect break that the soldiers needed and a reminder of the amazing opportunities the Army has to offer. The highlight, the cricket, was played brilliantly by all and the three officers on our final night felt in unison that we were proud to be Light Dragoons and part of a tour with a special group of soldiers.
JOD
Cpl McDonnell
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