Page 19 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

2RIFLES
Ex FROSTED BLADE 35
In December 2019, 8 members of 2 RIFLES made the annual pilgrimage to the vaunted slopes of Val D’Isere to compete in the 35th iteration of the Infantry Alpine Champion- ships. Electing to take 5 complete novices, the aim was to introduce Riflemen to a new sport and challenge them outside of their comfort zones rather than compete for podium places.
The early days of “bambis on ice” were short lived and all of the beginners embraced the challenge. Before we knew it, the “follow-me”, instructor-led lessons gave way to race specific training on “le Stade” in Tignes and suddenly the novices were confronted by Gates and Slalom Poles. After a short break in training over the Christmas period we were straight into team selection and the Race Week.
Of particular note and deserving of
recognition is Rifleman Oliver Dean who, despite having never skied before, fearlessly volunteered to take the final spot of the 4
man team to compete on the “A Hill” in the high-speed events of Super-G and Downhill as well as the technical disciplines of Slalom and Giant Slalom. Even if there was the odd speed- check turn between gates on the Downhill, it is testament to his character that he embraced the challenge and completed every event.
On the “B Hill”, Corporal Jamie Price’s unre- lenting competitive spirit saw him pushing for top spots with several top 10 finishes overall. As the fastest Novice, he netted himself
three Gold medals (Slalom, Giant Slalom and Combined results) and will be one to watch for future racing. I also managed to have some success in the competition, finishing 8th in the Individual Championship and being selected
On the social side, the team took advantage of all that Val D’Isere had to offer
for the Infantry Team to compete in the Divi- sional and later Army Championships. In the Team results, 2RIFLES unexpectedly finished in a respectable 9th place out of approximately 20 other teams.
On the social side, the team took advantage of all that Val D’Isere had to offer. Not for us the Siren’s calls to Dick’s T Bar, LCpls Luke O’Neil and Stephen Ward led the charge in our Influence Ops campaign to befriend the entirety of the Coco Rico’s staff (our apres ski venue of choice and conveniently less than a stone’s throw away from the accommodation). We sampled local cuisine and socialised
with our Brother Riflemen from 5 of the other Battalions. In all, the exercise was a huge success, with the Riflemen fully embracing the opportunities presented to them, while being impeccable representatives for the Battalion and the Regiment.
Captain Nick Hudson
2 RIFLES
2 Rifles Ex Frosted Blade
A HILL team
Ex Frosted Blade Ski team
RIFLES The Bugle 19
Regimental Boxing Team
When the team formed up for the 19/20 season, little did we know at the time that we would be Army Major Unit Finalists, have 5 boxers and a coach selected for the Army Development Team and that the season would be scuppered by COVID-19.
In October the team started working with local boxing clubs to build a link with the community here in NI through sport. This new relationship has provided invalu- able diverse training to the team. The team spar at least twice a week with different civilian clubs. The standard of sparring has been really high with the boxers sometimes sparring civilians who are more experi-
enced than themselves, it is hoped this will pay dividends in the future.
In January, three new members joined the team from 3 RIFLES. LCpl Taylor was
on an Army Boxing Team led contest, he put on a dominant display of skill and was a class above his opponent winning the bout unanimously. The Army Dev team have taken an interest in LCpl Taylors progress, and along with LCpl Caws, Rfn Dillingham, Rfn Gomes and Rfn Goodwin was set for
a trail period with the Army Dev Team in Aldershot but alas due to COVID-19 the trails were scrapped.
February was an extremely busy month with Ex KABUL DAWN looming, MATTS being completed by the team, and training alongside civilians. The highlight of the month was hosting 13 Air Assault Regiment RLC boxing team and 3 SCOTS boxing team for a training camp led and facilitated by 2 RIFLES. This camp lasted 4 days had over 40 Boxers and 10 coaches involved. Sparring proved invaluable to the development of all boxers. In addition, Ex-Supermiddleweight World Champion,
Brian Magee came and joined the training sessions and as a result Brian has agreed to continue working with the coaching team and volunteer his time to develop the team.
We are excited about the future and have already started early planning for a poten- tially ambitious training camps overseas and across the UK and Ireland, continuing to build our reputation across the Army and civilian boxing circuits.
Sgt D Patterson Head Coach
Sgt Patterson Rfn Wallsmley (boxer)
Some of the team with
Brian Magee and his belts
Rfn Goodwin was set for a trail period with the Army Dev Team in Aldershot
Rfn Goodwin at 6 Reg RLC show