Page 60 - 1RHA 2024

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Football Bombardier E Turnbull
The 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (1RHA) football team showcased an impressive performance this season, nar- rowly missing out on the Southwestern Premiership by goal difference. Despite this, our campaign was marked by four excel- lent wins in the Gunner Cup against tough opposition, culminat- ing in a Challenge Cup victory against 7RHA.
The league season was fiercely contested, with 1RHA consist- ently performing at a high level after a year away from the league due to operational commitments. Our journey to second place was characterized by a series of decisive victories, team ethic, and standout individual performances. Highlights in the league included 5-1 victories over 19RA and 11Sigs. However, despite our best efforts and a possession-based approach, we fell short of clinching the league title, finishing second on goal difference with time running out to play the last two fixtures.
The highlight of 1RHA’s season was undoubtedly our thrilling tri- umph in the Challenge Cup played at Larkhill on Shrapnel Park. The final against 7RHA was a rollercoaster, finishing 2-2 in normal time played in front of a passionate crowd with great home sup- port for 1RHA. We took an early lead through Gnr Goodman with a calm finish lobbing the keeper, but 7RHA responded, levelling the score before we immediately scored again with LBdr Mills fin- ishing calmly at the back post. With time running out, 7RHA man- aged to equalize with a well-taken penalty, sending the match into extra time. In extra time, on a hot day, both teams fought valiantly, but it was 1RHA who emerged victorious thanks to a brilliantly executed team goal finished by LBdr Mills that sealed a 3-2 win. 1RHA have not won the Challenge Cup since 2018, mak- ing this a great achievement.
1RHA’s season, marked by near success in the league and tri- umph in the Challenge Cup, reflects the dedication, hard work, and camaraderie that define our squad. Although the league title eluded us, our cup victory was a fitting reward for everyone’s efforts. Looking ahead to next season, the team is targeting all three trophies in the 11-a-side format: the Southwestern Premier- ship, the Army Cup, and retaining the Challenge Cup.
New players are always welcome. We train twice a week; see Bdr Turnbull or SSgt Moore for more information, or check part one orders for further details.
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