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Thailand Tut Tut – Left to right: WO2 Read, WO2 Stoby, Sgt Westgate, Capt Carey, WO2 Wilson
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Three years and an hour later than planned, the Overseas Sports Visit (OSV) to Thailand managed to depart! The extra hour was self-inflicted as WO2 (narcoleptic) Ash Stoby managed to flood the plane with his exploding water bottle, though he didn’t seem too bothered; he was asleep within three minutes of boarding and didn’t wake up until two days into the visit!
The OSV was scheduled for a week in Bangkok followed by a week in Pattaya, apparently known locally as a family resort! The tour was made possible by the persistence of WO2 “Dave the Grenade” Read along with the local knowledge of WO1 (RSM) Carnell (Ret’d) who now lives in Thailand.
Upon arrival in Bangkok, as with any country, there’s always a requirement to adjust to the local surroundings. These included, street food, tut tuts, unique city fragrances, endless massage centres and, of course, the absolute disregard for any form of driving ability, all of which suited Capt Carey down to the ground as he said, “it reminded him of Blackpool”.
Once acclimatised, we got down to business on the squash court! We trained each morning and played our fixtures in the evening. The first-class training was organised by WO2 AJ Wilson, and no training session is complete without the “Carey, Cross-Court Kill”, and the Dave Read “Drop / Lob”, much to the amusement of the locals. We were based predominantly out of the Bangkok British Health Club, essentially a David Lloyd style establishment for British personnel living in Bangkok. Thankfully, all our recovery needs were met including, post training mango smoothies, a heated
RAPTC SQUASH
WO2 (QMSI) A Wilson RAPTC
swimming pool and for WO2 Dave Read, a large selection of dumbbells for his “chest and biceps session”.
We played five competitive matches throughout the visit and were narrowly beaten on each occasion. Despite the humidity, the team played to the best of their ability. Sgt Westgate and WO2 Read showed excellent progression on court with Sgt Westgate’s performances winning him the “Player of the Tour” award. Off the court, we watched each other’s games, coached and celebrated as a team. We even managed to get Capt Shaun Carey connected to the WIFI on his iPhone1. Without doubt the team represented the RAPTC in exemplary fashion.
We landed back in the UK with no injuries and fond memories. As I sit writing this article, I’m still laughing about the stories
WO2 (QMSI) Stoby gets some (more) sleep, whilst WO2 (QMSI) Read watches on
we will share, and no doubt exaggerate in the future.
Like the OSV, all good things must come to end, and this year Maj (MAA) Billy Young is transitioning out of the Army. After more than a decade of commitment to RAPTC Squash, he will be sorely missed by all who have represented the team over the years. The RAPTC Squash Team would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him and his family all the best for the future.
RAPTC Squash Team – Left to right: WO2 Read, WO2 Stoby, Capt Carey, WO2 Wilson, Sgt Westgate
WO2 (QMSI) Wilson relaxes between matches