Page 85 - QDG 2023

The QDG Cricket vs The Old Contemptables
1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Lord Dannatt - “why is that chap not wearing whites?”
The Old Contemptibles are a Norfolk cricket team made up of ex British Army Officers who challenged the QDG to a cricket match in late August. The QDG won the toss and decided to bat first. Sgt Humphreys opened the batting with the Adjutant, Captain Cooper. General The Lord Dannatt’s son opened the bowling for the OCs and managed to find some pace out of a weathered artificial wicket, the pace was successfully transferred onto the bat with the opening batters making the most of the recently cut outfield. The obstacle course became a target for the
Volleyball
In early Feb 2023 the QDG volleyball team travelled to RAF Wattisham for what was their first fixture for many years. The UK Midlands Inter-Unit Volleyball Champi- onship was comprised of 7 teams battling their way to the knockout stages. Over the prior months we had been training with our newly acquired volleyball net and balls which the team is very grateful for. Our first spike came when, 15mins out from Wattisham, the coach was halted by a rather low rail bridge. One 28 point turn later and with the firm assurance of no height restriction warnings we were back on our way leaving all the restriction signs to our rear. Upon arrival we got our first taste of the opposition’s talent as they were warming up. Whilst practicing their
unorthodox QDG batters, and many sixes were hit throughout the QDG innings. True to form, the QDG has always been weak at fielding decent bowlers and we apol- ogise for the erratic bowling that could have so easily hospitalised our much older opposition. A particular highlight was Sgt Humphreys diving catch which caught General The Lord Dannatt in the first over, a hesitant howzat was called by the team and Lord Dannatt walked. We look forward to playing to OCs again in what we hope will become an annual fixture.
TJC
set plays, it quickly dawned on us that we would have to be on our A-game if we were to progress from the group stage. We were fielding our strongest 6 for what was the opening game of the champion- ship against 4 AAC. Despite a quick warm up we settled into the game well and held our own in a close fought match with a particularly powerful set and spike play by Tpr Rokoua and Pte Limbu respec- tively. After the game reached 18-18 the AAC then ran away with it to win 25-21. Our next 2 group games didn’t go any better and we sadly didn’t progress to the knockouts but the team still learnt and developed a lot in defeat and are ready to go onto the coming fixtures.
HGS
Volleyball is serious business
Boxing:
The Return
of the Ring
83
This year saw the QDG return to combat, in the form of boxing. A sport that has been peppered throughout the QDG history has seen its return with boxers taking part in both the AGC and RAC championships of 2023.
The team focused on getting people ready to take part in their first bouts and starting their QDG boxing journey. The training was a hybrid approach noting the commitments of the individuals. All boxers were put through their paces and assessed throughout on their fitness, technical skills, and all the personal attributes associated with the sport.
The AGC Championships was first on our list of competitions this year and saw Pte Suraj Limbu from the QDG AGC detachment take to the ring. A fit and dedicated individual progressed through the training program with ease, and this saw him and his skills develop into a prom- ising athlete of the future. He came runner up in the final and gained valuable experience so is one to look out for in the future!
The RAC Championships saw two members of the QDG compete in the finals. Captain and Adjutant Charles Edward Crawford Cooper went up first at 70kg. This was a hard-hitting bout of grit and determination, slog after slog of powerful shots came from the Officer that ended with the referee stopping the contest and declaring Captain Cooper the winner. Trooper Lawson was up next at 74kg. This was another blow for blow bout and was very exciting to watch. He rocked his opponent several times with precision, only being pipped for the loss in the last round to come runner up.
The end of the year saw the QDG host a level 1 Coaching Course where 11 QDG personnel were successful and ready to start their coaching journeys. Their develop- ment over the next year and the build of moment will see the sport grow back to its former success.
BJP