Page 74 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

72 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
Corporal Potter “The Otter”, that the teams of Cyprus must have heard about it and despite Captain Humphreys’ best efforts no contenders stepped up to take a shot at the title.
The swimming team fared slightly better. Both Sector 2 and the MFR (led by Captain “Aerodynamic” Clarkson) saw great suc- cess in the UNFICYP sports championships finishing 2nd and 4th respectively. Captain Dougie Muir, the outgoing EME, was the surprise star of the event having, for some reason, chosen to wait to the very end of his posting with the Regiment to show- case his rapid breaststroke. Other strong showings came from Captain Charlie Gray and Lance Corporal Potter. Trooper White could have been epic – hopefully he has now learned the impor- tance of goggles!
Back in the UK, more swimming success was just around the corner. Barely days after the return from POTL a scratch team were in action in Catterick Swimming Pool. Lance Corporal Beane and Trooper Collins smashed the frontcrawl and Troop- ers White and Simcox wiped the floor with the opposition in the backstroke. Once again Lance Corporal Potter confirmed his status as the best breaststroker North of Nottingham. Other strong showings from Lance Corporal McCloskey and Captain
Gardner helped seal the deal and The Royal Lancers reclaimed the title of UK North Swimming Champions.
Hodson’s Horse is the annual pinnacle of Royal Armoured Corps Water Polo and is always the scene of epic water polo bat- tles. With Staff Sergeant Buck Rogers at the con, a young Lancer team hit the Stanley Barracks pool. Excellent wins against the Royal Dragoon Guards and the Armour Centre set the scene for the final game against our old nemesis the RTR. The Lancers met the challenge head on, with outstanding showings from Troopers Simcox and Godwin. Sadly, not even Lance Corporal Potter’s howitzer of a right arm could overcome a well drilled Royal Tank Regiment team and the Lancers were reluctantly knocked into 2nd place.
So, what for 2019? The Regiment has both the UK North Swim- ming and Water Polo championship titles to retain and we aim to field competitive teams in the Army Swimming and Water Polo Championships. The first-place spot at Hodson’s Horse, and some revenge on the Royal Tank Regiment, remains our pri- mary target. Wish us luck!
ARH
Martial Arts
Since many of the Lancers Mixed Martial arts team’s main players recently moved on the team has bounced back with a stream of fresh blood, many of whom are predators in the Dojo.
Recently the Lancers had one officer and four soldiers attend a Judo skills course held at the Army School of Physical Train- ing Aldershot. This was a week of intense Judo training dur- ing which they learned the fundamentals of the sport. The team struggled to get out of bed come morning of day three on the course said Trooper Hughes. Mr Buchanan admitted not being able to lift his arms above his head and struggled to wash his Calvary officer-type hair after a sweaty Randori (a Japanese term used to describe free-style practice). During an hour Randori session every afternoon, the intrepid trainees practiced applying techniques to a random succession of uke (training partner) at- tacks. They learnt how to attack as well as counter-attack their opponents against their own strengths, how to put their oppo- nents in arm-bars and choke-holds into submission.
At the end of the week, all trainees took part in a Kyu Grade syl- labus grading. They were assessed on theory knowledge as well as practical application of technique as intended, proficiency in Randori, Nage-komi and Ukemi. The grading was a success and resulted in all Lancers promoting from 6th Kyu (Red belt) to 5th Kyu (Yellow belt).
With the depth knowledge and skills gained, we now seek to dominate the Army Novice and Intermediate championships. We also look to advance to the North East England champion- ships to gain more fighting experiences and the pressures im- posed during a contest. With the Lancers fighting spirit, I have no doubt that we will collect some silverwear and put the Motto on the map through Death or everlasting Glory.
RM
The intrepid team of Dojo-dwellers