Page 144 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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The 2016/17 season saw the RAPTC RFC have one of its most successful and exciting years in a long time.
SSgt (SSI) L Brimble RAPTC certainly left some big shoes to ll his role as Secretary. SSgt Brimble took the bull by the horns and really revamped the clubs approach to recruitment, administration and data collection. These efforts have been noticed and applauded by everyone directly involved with the club and even gained plaudits from the RAPTC Sports Management Board. His efforts have seen the club take strides to becoming a real contender in Merit league 2 while continuing to be an attractive club to be a part of within the RAPTC.
Start of the Season SSgt (SSI) A Stephenson RAPTC had been working hard behind the scenes, organising an amazing tour to Alberta, Canada. With accommodation squared, ights nipped, all xtures secured, the men couldn’t ask for a better tour. The tour began with early rises all over the UK with players and staff travelling from all over to get to Heathrow in time for the ight. The team was full of caffeine, jovial, high spirited and looking forward to the task ahead. In true Rugby fashion the men took it upon themselves to ensure that anyone on the ight was entertained throughout, the stewards and stewardesses were grateful for the team assisting with in- ight entertainment.
The Club would be accommodated at Trails End Camp for the Tour, this was an excellent opportunity to organise some team building excursions including a canoeing trip by the Chairman Capt (MAA) D Boocock RAPTC. The icy cold waters running down from the Rockies did not deter the team from performing the all- important capsize drills to ensure all members were current in the safety elements. During these drills Capt Boocock obviously kept an eye on us from the warm, dry bank in the sun. Once the team had thawed and had feeling in their limbs WO2 (QMSI) D Slade-Jones RAPTC conducted rigorous training twice a day in preparation for our rst game against Bow Valley Grizzlies.
WO2 Amery Injury
Rocky Apostle Tour
The Grizzlies put us to the test in a hard fought frantic game, however early on in the xture WO2 (QMSI) C Amery RAPTC took the ball into contact and unfortunately came out a little worse, suffering a fracture and the game being called off as a result. The guys all ensured Carl got a warm send off and all spectators and players clapped in respect as the ambulance departed the eld. WO2 Amery would spend the rest of the Tour in a hospital in downtown Calgary. The rest of the team were treated to an excellent post-match meal in Cochrane.
The next task of the tour was the toughest and the most exciting, Calgary 7s!!! The competition had 200+ male and female teams enter. There were many different ability leagues; the RAPTC entered 2 teams to the tournament. The aptly named “Warriors” would represent in the competitive league and the “Apostles” team would play in the elite league.
RAPTC v Red Deer Titans
RAPTC RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
SSgt (SSI) M Brightey RAPTC
WO2 Amery Send Off
Red Deer Titans Victory