Page 31 - MERCIAN Eagle 2020

Nordic Skiing
OIC: Capt Adam Keenan
Nordic skiing and biathlon is often
coupled with Alpine activities such as
Ex FROSTED BLADE but the exercise
is vastly different in its aim, approach
and execution. Nordic skiing is effectively a long-distance cross-country race,
on snow. The races are often at
altitude and over undulating terrain
which, in biathlon, must be covered at speed to get onto the range in good
time. Once on the range the aim is to
hit the equivalent of a Vaseline tub, in
the standing unsupported position at 50m, heavily fatigued, and then ski your next
lap and repeat this process. This sport
is intricately linked with infanteering given its requirement for an elevated
level of fitness, marksmanship, focus
and personal administration.
The 1 MERCIAN Nordic ski and biathlon team began the 19/20 season with two weeks of training at
Pirbright Camp, where all athletes were trained in basic level roller
skiing and marksmanship, as well
as completing a rigorous physical training programme. In November, the team moved to Idre-Fjall in
northern Sweden and received four weeks of intensive Nordic ski and
biathlon training from top-level international coaches. After a two-week Christmas break in the UK, the team then moved
to Bessans in France to take part in the Infantry Nordic Championships. The
1 MERCIAN team finished 7th out of 16 teams. This was a commendable result
for a team of five complete novice skiers and only one advanced skier. The team
then moved to Serre-Chavelier in France to complete in the Divisional Championships finishing 14th out of 28 teams. Sadly, the 20/21 season was unable to start this winter as all planned activity was suspended in late
1 MERCIAN Nordic Ski and biathlon team
2020 in line with the Army Winter Sports Association’s direction on COVID-19.
The Nordic ski season is long, arduous, congested, progressive and at times – a stretch. It is extremely important that team members have a personality that
is compatible with spending substantial amounts of time with one another in confined spaces and that they buy into the team ethos. Across the three-month period the team grew and bonded as a cohesive unit, which will only stand us in good
stead to resume the 21/22 season when government guidelines allow.
Football
OIC: Capt Adam Keenan
The 1 MERCIAN football
team would firstly like to thank WO2 Andy McNulty for his enduring contribution
to the Battalion team throughout his
time at Regimental Duty. His work
and dedication ensured
that the team consistently performed well, with reliable resources, using good facilities and wearing good kit. WO2 McNulty’s efforts delivered results and a lived experience which was well beyond the standard expected of a Battalion football team. The team wish WO2 McNulty all the best and are envious of the next team he manages!
2020 began by dusting off the festive cobwebs and playing at Bulford 3G, Kiwi 3G and Tidworth 3G on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The team took on a decent shape after receiving volunteers
to train from across the Battalion.
Settling in under a new coaching team, the team revisited low level skills such
as first touch, creating space and defensive shape. Since these early days, the team has been tested in two friendly games against the Household Cavalry
Regiment. Both of which 1 MERCIAN won. However, COVID-19 has cast a long shadow over the 20/21 season thus far.
A particular struggle has been
the necessity to train within
the Government’s and Army
Football Association’s guidance to ensure 1 MERCIAN were playing football, if at all, in a legally abiding manner.
This has forced the training team and players to be inventive with sessions. Since the pandemic, 1 MERCIAN have looked to focus more on physical fitness,
1 MERCIAN football team
creating space and individual skills. When football can resume in its truest form, 1 MERCIAN will continue to train with the professionalism and competitive nature it always has.
We look forward to playing in the UK via the rear operations group and also on Op CABRIT
8 against our fellow UK forces as well as Estonian civilian teams and other nations teams.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
29