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Ahugely successful 21-22 season for the Regimental foot- ball team after a two-year absence due to the COVID pan- demic. The season started in September with a successful tour to the Northeast of England which included games again AFC Harrogate, Sunderland AFC academy and Darlington Rail- way FC, losing the first two games and drawing the third. Fol- lowing the tour, the team set about playing a hectic schedule of league, Army and Gunner Cup fixtures. The league campaign fin- ished at the beginning of April with the team having to wait a few days after our final game for the results of other games to see if the league title was ours. The news finally came in that we were League champions, winning by a four-point margin. This saw the team also achieve promotion to Western Premier Division. In the cup competitions the team had mixed success, they reached the quarter final of the Army Cup, and the final of the league winners’ cup where they lost 4-2 to a very good 4 Regiment RLC side. The Gunner cup was the standout competition for the team reach-
ing the semi-final, narrowly losing out to eventual winners 7 Para RHA in a fantastic game 6-5 on penalties after the game ended 5-5 after extra time.
The team continue to improve and grow in confidence and there is a real team spirit among all those involved. This improvement has not only been noticed by the coaching staff but also from Gunner Football, with no less than eight Regimental players being called up to RA football. Training is now well under way in preparation for the 22-23 season in a higher league with stronger opposition, a challenge I’m sure the team are more than ready for.
I would just like to end by extending a huge thank you to WO2 (RQMS) Dean Hilton-Huish from all the players and staff for all his hard work and dedication to the team over the last 6 months. He leaves the Regiment and service soon after 22 years and we wish him and his family all the very best.
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) is a generic term for functional fitness competitions that are run by the Army. At its most basic level it is competitive circuits
pushed to the extreme.
This year the Regiment ran an internal mixed sex (three male, one female) BAWF competition as part of the Moore Trophy. For some, this was a brutal introduction to randomised work- outs that lasted a full working day. Each event contributed points to the overall leader board. Thankfully the only injury that day was the wooden gym floor (Bdr Reger denies cul- pability).
Externally, the 1 RHA team has competed in the South Region BAWF Series. Amongst some great performances, there have been podium finishes for the female team and two 4th place finishes for the male team. Unfortunately, inju- ries and the dreaded COVID prevented the teams from com-
peting in the full series. Most recently the Regiment entered the “Brigades Fittest Pair” competition held in Tidworth. This was a same sex pairs event and both teams fought hard for a podium finish, with a 3rd place for the female team and 2nd place for the male team.
Bdr Reger and LBdr Jones have also taken part in multiple civilian events. Notably, Bdr Reger placed 2nd in the national “Turf Games”, held in Southern Quarter Amesbury; an impressive result given the high level of competition.
With a newly built high quality functional fitness facility and individuals gaining instructional qualifications, the future looks bright for this new and emerging sport. This is a sport for all; it is challenging, fun and compliments other military training. The team encourages male, female and masters athletes to come along and experience the positive mindset BAWF brings to strength and fitness.
Warrior Fitness SSgt R Thomas
Football WO2 D Isle
Gnr Henry on the charge against 7 RHA
Gnr Owen playing against 7 RHA
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