Page 27 - QARANC Vol 17 No 1 2019

THE GAZETTE QARANC 25
two blinks of an eye! I am so proud of the Army team; the RAF had four sliders who had represented GB and raced internationally. The Army team consisted of two international athletes, a junior and a novice who only started this year! We definitely did not let the RAF take the win easily.
On a personal note I won the Inter Services Female Championship title for the 8th year and was crowned
six times British Champion. I
have decided to retire from international sliding but I am hoping to remain on the Army luge scene whether it is in a sliding or coaching role. A huge thanks goes to my unit JHG(N), QARANC and Army Luge; without your support over the years I would not have been able to chase my dreams.
An ice camp (Exercise Racing Ice) takes place every year for novices to have a go at luge, skeleton or bobsleigh. Details will be published on the AWSA website nearer the time. Why not have a go?
Staff Sergeant Dani Scott
Reflecting on missing World Cup qualification by 0.3secs in Igls, Austria
QARANC racing sled at the top of the track, Igls, Austria
Lacrosse – Most Valuable Player (MVP)
I joined 208 (Liverpool) Field Hospital in 2018 and in my civilian career I am employed at the Countess of Chester Hospital as a Charge Nurse on a Surgical Emergencies Ward. I have been qualified just under five years, having studied at the University of Chester. It was while I was at university that I discovered lacrosse, as I was at the time looking for a new sport to try, having previously played rugby for most of my life. I have played for a number of teams since taking up the sport and currently play for Liverpool Lacrosse Club.
Lacrosse is referred to ‘as the fastest game on two feet’ and does not disappoint. For those who do not know the game, it can be seen as a mixture of rugby and hockey with the ball being passed through the air, caught and carried in nets attached to shafts (called crosses) with the aim being to score a goal in the opposition’s goal. The game is highly physical, and players are required to wear helmets, pads and gloves. The physicality and challenge of learning a new skill had me hooked instantly and from there I never missed an opportunity to play.
In 2015 I became involved in the Welsh national team set- up and was selected to play for the Welsh national side in the 2016 European Championships. The following summer I spent a short season in Israel playing in their Pro League. I was lucky enough to be part of the Championship winning team and to be named Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Having achieved more than I ever planned or expected to with my lacrosse career, I made the decision to take a step
back and focus upon another personal goal, that of joining the Army Reserve. I joined my local unit, 208 (Liverpool) Field Hospital, in 2018 and I feel I haven’t looked back since. I have successfully completed my basic training which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I am now looking forward to taking on new challenges within the Army Reserve.
I have recently been able to combine lacrosse with my new life by representing the Army in the 2018 Inter-Services Championships, taking part in a 20 - 3 victory over the Royal Air Force receiving an MVP award. Major Bader, AGC (ETS) Chair of Army Lacrosse, stated ‘Pte Sam Miles has been an integral part of the Army Men’s Lacrosse Team in 2018 in their successful defence of the Inter-Services Trophy and will be an asset in their future games. Army Lacrosse is a growing sport with opportunities for men, women and mixed teams across all ranks’.
The Army has a big focus on sports and from the start my unit, 208 (Liverpool) Field Hospital, has shown me nothing but support in combining lacrosse and Army Reserve life together. I am now looking forward to experiencing everything the Army Reserve has to offer, while still playing lacrosse, the game that has been a big part of my life for the past five years.
If you currently play lacrosse or have never played before and would like to get involved with Army Lacrosse, it can be found on Facebook (British Army Lacrosse).
Private Sam Miles
208 (Liverpool) Field Hospital