Page 47 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2017

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 45
Sports and Adventurous Training
The annual inter-Squadron sports competition was again run throughout 2017. The events are always hotly contested and this year was no different.
The competition was kick started by orienteering, a growing sport in the Lancer world. The event was run in conjunction with a wider Army event and attended by the orienteering com- munity from across the north of England. C Squadron, which has orienteering pedigree in the form of Lieutenant Gardner, was victorious with B and D Squadrons finishing a close 2nd and 3rd respectively.
As the spring blossomed into life in Catterick, the Squadrons took to the pool. In an event which has traditionally been won by D Squadron, the assembled crowds hoped 2017 would be differ- ent. Richmond Swimming Pool was the stage and D Squadron Second-in-Command the referee. Events were varied and cov- ered all swimming disciplines, including butterfly, a stroke many find challenging to say the least. Lance Corporal Potter ‘the Otter’ demonstrated yet again why he earned his nickname and won the medley. Captain Jibb, competing for D Squadron, ensured there was a range of ability across all teams. The event was won by D Squadron, thoroughly out-classing the other squadrons, HQ and A finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
A high octane collection of events followed a few weeks later, with hockey and cycling taking place on the same day. Cycling was a new and welcome addition to the Babington Shield pro- gramme and took the form of a team time-trial. The aim was for
the teams to start at the same time, race the route in the most efficient formation and finish at the same time. If riders became separated on the road, the clock would stop after the first three riders had crossed the line. C Squadron were relative favourites, though, after success in the pool and with an Officer Command- ing also keen on cycling, D Squadron were looking strong.
The route began near ‘Green Hut,’ the aptly named landmark on the edge of the local training area. Teams would race towards Richmond, turn left through Hipswell and finish near Wathgill, some 10miles later. As ever in Babington Shield events there was a range of abilities. For some plucky competitors it was only their second time on a road bike, let alone a team time-trial! The Squadrons left in order and the finish line was awash with nerv- ous competitors waiting to hear if their time had been beaten. It came down to a fine margin as C Squadron beat D Squadron by only 15 seconds, Headquarters Squadron returning a solid 3rd.
With cyclists flying down the range-road back into Catterick, hockey was taking place on the Wavell Road Astroturf. The recent success of the regimental hockey team (unbeaten at Hodson’s Horse since Amalgamation) has buoyed interest in this hugely exciting sport. The event was very well supported as Lancers tried to catch a glimpse of regimental star play- ers and enjoyed the fine dining A Squadron SQMS provided. A Squadron were firm favourites, with many of the regimental team featuring in their line up. There was also eager anticipa- tion to see how the family rivalry of the Marriott brothers being
C Squadron winning the Babington Shield
Babington Shield
Good with weight (and running)
Inter squadron Boxing