Page 187 - Bugle Autumn 2014

Kenya Challenge Trophy / Inter Battalion Cup
A gloriously sunny day at St Cross saw the cricketers of the Regiment convene at St Cross to compete for the Kenya Challenge Trophy. All Battalions, regular and reservists, were
4 RIFLES to 91 from their allotted twelve overs. A destructive innings from Cpl Kester Baptiste, scoring 36 from 16 balls in front of the Colonel Commandant,
The playing over, all teams enjoyed an excellent BBQ provided by 1RIFLES G4 and the bar continued to do a roaring trade as it had all day. While all were enjoying the well earned food, Lt Col Lerwill presented the Awards. The Spirit of Cricket Award went to Cpl Kester Baptiste who, besides leading the 2RIFLES team to the final and shown his players how to enjoy the occasion throughout the day, was noted for his leadership in turning potential dissent at a decision into supporting the Umpire. Incidentally he also featured heavily in the runs scored and wickets taken columns! The Player of the Tournament, the MVP, was awarded
to Capt Harry Thompson as the leading run maker and wicket taker. That these Awards went to both captains of the Finals Teams underpins much of what
the Tournament is about. The Winners
of the Kenya Challenge Trophy was the Reservist & ‘E’ XI who, in the end, were too strong in depth and with the majority of players from 6RIFLES, a jubilant Capt Sean Whatmore took responsibility for the Trophy which will rest in Exeter ..... until next year.
represented and it was only due to delayed flights in Kenya which prevented a full 3 RIFLES XI taking part. After a quick shuffle
Cpl Kester Baptiste was noted for his leadership in turning potential dissent at a decision into supporting the Umpire
sealed the win for 2 RIFLES and their place in the final.
After the pre- match photos, the final produced some wonderful cricket with Rfn Alex Ollerenshaw bowling superbly
with able support
it was decided that
those on external
postings would
combine with the reservist players and the two available 3 RIFLES personnel to form a fifth team. All teams played each other in a twelve over a side league format with the top two teams playing in a final at the end of the day.
from Capt Mark McFarlane and Maj Jono Mills. Despite this 2 RIFLES posted a solid 92 with Rfn Elroy Thomas scoring
an unbeaten 48. 2 RIFLES started well taking two quick wickets to leave the Reservist & ‘E’ XI on 10 – 2 after two overs. Consolidation from Rfn Alex Ollerenshaw (33) and Capt Harry Thomson set the foundation before accelerating towards the target. Momentum shifted, momentarily, when Ollerenshaw was
out but Maj Jono Mills and Capt Harry Thomson saw their side home with five balls to spare.
The two finalists with the Colonel Commandant
Matches were played in a competitive but friendly atmosphere with all enjoying the opportunity to catch up with old friends from around the Regiment. In
the group stages there was plenty of excitement and some excellent cricket on show. Of the batsmen Cpl Kester Baptiste was on destructive form for 2 RIFLES
as were LCpl Kenny England and Rfn Tyrone McKeeman for 4 RIFLES. From the Reservist & ‘E’ XI, Maj James Cousens, Rfn Alex Ollerenshaw and Cpl Kev McDelling all contributed with significant innings as the team set the early standard and backed their billing as favourites
for the Trophy. On a difficult day for the bowlers 2Lt Theo Bossom, 5 RIFLES, and Capt Harry Thomson, ITC, bowled with control managing to limit the big hitters during their spells.
The Reservist & ‘E’ XI having qualified for the Final, watched with keen interest the last match of the group stages between 2 and 4 RIFLES to see who would be their opponents. In a very
tight match 2 RIFLES bowled and fielded superbly taking 7 wickets and restricting
Rfn Tyrone McKeeman and LCpl Kenny England running well between the wickets for 4 RIFLES
THE RIFLES
RIFLES SPORTS 185