Page 79 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

Victorious SNCOs
Cpl Fletcher’s team were champions, and we’re sure will look to return next year to retain the title.
The Abbott’s Cup was played prior to the KRH Battlegroup deploying to Estonia. This is only the second year to have played this memorial match which was created in 2021 for LCpl Abbott who sadly died in 2017. The match is played between the SNCOs and JNCOs which sees some aging members of the WOs and Sgts Mess dust of their boots and take numerous ibuprofens to get them through the game against the youngsters. Other than having every intention to win the game, one of the secondary aims for the SNCOs is to not allow Cpl Fletcher to score. This aim was helped with goalkeeper SSgt Stringer pulling off a stun- ning save off Fletch’s boot which was sailing into the top cor- ner. Unfortunately, this was then slightly overshadowed as one of the members of his own troop, LCpl White 440, managed to lob him with a header; that infuriated him, to say the least. A guest appearance from the RSM’s son Reece and goals from Sgt
SSgt Spencer Lifting the Abbots Cup
McCormick, Sgt Winstanley and WO2 Thorpe meant once again, the old and bold lifted the trophy - winning 4-3 for the second year running. The JNCOs were invited up to the Seniors’ Mess for a beer or two over a game of pool and DITs from the match before they were sent on their merry way back their blocks to rethink how they would ever get one over on the mighty SNCOs.
The year has seen a slightly different Brackenbury Trophy; it was played whilst deployed in Estonia on Op CABRIT. It was decided to make it a Battlegroup event with Tprs, Ptes, Sprs, Gnrs, and Gdsm competing against JNCOs from across the Battlegroup also. It would be hosted in an indoor arena in Tallinn with over 200 spectators from the Battlegroup making their way via coach down to support both teams. On arrival the chefs had provided steak and chips for everyone to devour as the teams were piped onto the pitch by the Scots Guards Pipes and Drums detachment. The action got underway very quickly and the Tpr cohort took the lead with what could only be described as a screamer from one of the engineer lads which meant LCpl Holland had to think quick on his feet as the manager of the JNCOs as to what he was to do about the onslaught that was about to unfold. Half time enter- tainment was laid by WO2 Harrison, having spectators onto the pitch participating in some footballing fun. The teams quickly returned onto the pitch with cheers from the crowd. Despite the best support the JNCOs were out of their depth and took a thrash- ing, finishing the game with a 7-1 win to the junior men. Credit must go to the players and manager, LCpl White; they were suit- ably awarded the trophy from the Commanding Officer at the presentation on Boxing Day.
It has been a year not without its challenges for Regimental sport. The majority of the Regiment has been abroad for over half of the year, but nonetheless, the passion for the game persists and KRH FC are relishing the prospect of a strong 23/24 season to come back in the UK.
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The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars 77
LCpl Ellmer Collecting The Trophy
Players Being Piped On By 1SG