Page 62 - 1RHA 2024

Over a very busy period of Operational Commitments and UK focussed taskings, the regiment has managed to maintain it’s approach to boxing and the need for this
competitive spirit.
With no opportunity for UK based training camps due to the tempo of the regiment, the routine of Op CABRIT and the 1RRF Battlegroup intent to conduct a boxing competition in which 1 RHA and B BTY seized the opportunity to ready a team with an eye on the Royal Artillery Boxing Championships in Mar 24.
B BTY training camp in Estonia started on the 9th October work- ing towards the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup (Estonia) Boxing Exhibition 2nd of March 2024 in Rakvere, Esto- nia.
The event featured nine bouts of amateur boxers from the UK, France, and United States Armed Forces currently stationed in Estonia. This was the first time an event of this scale and ambition was organised by a NATO battlegroup. It was an incredible spec- tacle, demonstrating both the unity and fighting spirit of NATO in the Baltics. In order for this event to happen there was a 6-week intensive training camp run by head coaches Sgt Taylor B Battery, Cpl Thompson from 1RRF and 2ic Bdr Birkett B Battery who in a very busy operational period took their time and effort to con- duct training for the Battlegroup and the United States boxers. This posed some difficulties with the language barrier with their French and Estonian counterparts. However, using their experi- ence, they managed to overcome these barriers and managed to get the boxers to a high standard which was showcased in front of over 2000 soldiers and VIP’s form participating nations.
Two of the nine bouts on the night were members of B BTY, Gun- ner Aspinwall and Gnr Blakeman, who both showed their war- rior spirit and courageous determination throughout their bouts. Gunner Aspinwall won by TKO in a hard-fought battle against a very tough opponent from France.Gunner Blakeman had a tough bout against a highly experienced opponent from the first fusi- liers and unfortunately lost by unanimous decision, however this bout was one of the most exciting and action-packed bouts of the night. Unfortunately, a few members of B Battery couldn’t box on the night due to their opponents dropping out due to various rea- sons. However, they got the opportunity to showcase their hard work and effort by flying back to represent the regiment at the Royal Artillery Championships In March 2024.
The following members of 1RHA entered the Royal Artillery Cham- pionships, LBdr Dorset B Bty, LBdr Greenan E Bty Gnr Aspinwall B Bty, Gnr Blakeman B Bty and Gnr Smith E Bty. LBdr Dorset won his first fight in the RAs by stoppage and unfortunately lost on points in his second bout even after dropping his opponent three times. LBdr Greenan had two hard bouts in the RA’s and won both in exceptional fashion and she is now the RA champion in her weight category. Gnr Blakeman fought a hard bout but unfor- tunately lost on a points decision however he showcased heart and determination. Gnr Aspinwall Lost in a hard fought bout but shows real potential. Gnr Smith had three bouts in total two in the prelims and one in the finals and each time defeated his oppo- nents in extraordinary fashion now making him the RA cham- pion in his weight category. The following names showed great potential and have subsequently been selected to represent the Gunner Boxing Team: LBdr Dorset, LBdr Greenan, Gnr Aspinwall, Gnr Blakeman & Gnr Smith.
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Boxing Sergeant R Taylor
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