Page 60 - The Bugle Issue 12 Autumn 2016

Rfn McMahon, B Coy & Rfn Austin, A Coy
Cpl Robinson HQ Coy & LCpl Braunton-Turner, A Coy
THERE WAS A MIX OF NEW TALENT AND THE OLD DOGS SHOWING FORM
2 RIFLES Inter Company Boxing
Boxing has always been at the core of 2 RIFLES, as it typi es many of the disciplines we hold true to be a Ri eman. Having moved from Ballykinler pre Op TORAL, the search started to locate a suitable training venue to advertise and re-energise the sport within 2 RIFLES new home, Thiepval Barracks. Empty squash courts were identi ed and set up ready for the Battalion’s return from operational duty. The in uence campaign started early with the Inter Coy Boxing Warning Order being issued in April, and sports afternoons catering for all inter-
ested Ri emen to conduct skills training, under the watchful eye of Sjt Whymark. Concurrently we advertised, loaded and secured essential Level 1
and Level 2 coaching courses.
The venue chosen for “ ght night” was the
vast 2 RIFLES MT / LAD hanger. Utilising every bit of regimental coloured parapher- nalia the Quartermaster, Maj Vince
Mears, transformed the venue.
The Preliminary bouts started on 27 Oct, with an open door to all the Battalion to come and support. After two full days of boxing the nals bout order was established. All boxers gained a well-deserved rest day to allow them to mentally
and physically prepare for the pressure of the nals, in front of a packed crowd of cheering Ri emen.
The tone was set by the welfare team pumping out the music, followed by the gathering of the SNCO’s and Of cers. After the RSM’s brief the Commanding Of cer arrived which indicated it was time to commence the bouts.
The evening produced some skilled and coura- geous boxing with prizes given after each bout. There was a mix of new talent and the old dogs showing form. One such dog was Cpl Justin Robinson representing HQ Company in red corner ghting at heavy weight.
One of the guests that evening was professional boxer James Tennyson, who commented on the standard and the skill, based on the limited time the contenders, had to train.
In a style that only the brave or stupid could carry off, there was even time for a bit of show boating from Rfn Hunt as he entered the ring. He fought in a bout that saw two I Company lightweights go up against each other.
The competition was a great success with A Coy taking the shield for the second year on the bounce. The competition set the foundation for the 2016 Inter Company Tournament, scheduled for November.
Special thanks to the Quartermaster Maj Vince Mears, the Boxing 2i/c Capt Steve Eamer, RAPTC SSgt Taff Hughes and the Company coaching teams for their efforts in making the event successful. Capt S Burgess, QM (T)
James Tennyson & LCpl Wills C Coy
LCpl Watkins, I Coy & Rfn Caws, I Coy
Rfn Hunt takes time out for a quick pose before his bout
THE RIFLES