Page 50 - 1RHA 2023

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
HQSW Female Sports League SSgt (SSI) Kemp
1RHA entered the very first Head Quarters Southwest (HQSW) Women’s Sports League competition. This involved minor and major Units across the Southwest competing in the following
sports: Basketball, Badminton, Netball, Football, Volleyball, Pow- erlifting and British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) throughout the year.
Basketball. The first sport of the competition was very competi- tive with eight Units from across the region taking part in a round robin format. 1 RHA were undefeated throughout the tournament putting in a phenomenal performance winning all their games. This resulted in 1 RHA finishing the first sport in pole position.
Badminton. The second competition of the sports league was Bad- minton doubles. SSgt (SSI) Kemp RAPTC and Bdr Picanza teamed up to represent the Regiment. Both experienced Badminton play- ers; Bdr Picanza an established Army level player, this resulted in a solid performance from the pair beating 4 7RA in the final.
Netball. A very popular competition saw some intense games taking place. 3 Bn REME and 1 Medical Regiment had strong teams but again, 1 RHA proved their might by breaking apart their competitors, winning all their fixtures and retaining their winning streak.
5 A Side Football. SSI Kemp and Bdr Frayne proved to be key play makers throughout this competition both previously repre- senting Army and Corps Football. Bulford Ladies played some fantastic football but were unable to stop the continued momen- tum of 1 RHA who were victorious again.
Powerlifting. A team of two was required for the HQSW Powerlift- ing competition. Bdr Rowe (E Bty) and Gnr Blackler (OHQ Bty)
both novices did fantastically well and took third position gaining some vital points for the regiment. 32 RA were overall winners in the competition.
Volleyball. Sgt Wilcox’s height advantage made her a vital mem- ber of the 1 RHA volleyball team. With a quick training session prior, led by SSI Kemp, the Regiment once again excelled making it a clean sweep beating their competition 32 RA in the final.
The British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF). A very physical and demanding end to the Sports League represented by Capt Mur- rison (CH TP), Gnr Barrett (CH TP) and Bdr Cottrell (OHQ Bty). Their performance was inspiring, finishing in fourth place adding more crucial points to the overall score board.
1 RHA were crowned this year’s HQSW Women’s Sports League winners. SSI Kemp would like to thank all 1RHA participants who competed in this competition; the Regiment looks forward to defending the title next year.
48