Page 61 - The Bugle 2018

Boxing
This has been a superb year for the 3 RIFLES boxing team who have gone from strength to strength. There is a healthy interest and high standard of Novice Dev A boxing within the battalion and the battalion also has a good amount of Novice Dev B boxers. There are also a number of boxers who have boxed for the Army at different points over the last year to 18 months.
The battalion held its annual boxing night on 5 December 17, in total 8 bouts took place on the night of the finals. All of the Riflemen boxing showed exactly the qualities we would expect of our soldiers; grit, determination, courage and physical fitness. The standard of boxing during the event was particularly high. Bout of the evening without doubt was between LCpl Bryant (FSp Coy) and Rfn Welch-Davidson (C Coy). This was a close bout but Rfn Welch-Davidson edged it on the scorecards with a final flourish. Rfn Welch-Da- vidson immediately claimed to be the face of 3 RIFLES boxing! On completion of the night, B Coy was crowned champion company having pipped C and FSp Coys at the post by a single point. The most gallant loser was awarded to Rfn Morris C Coy who gave his all right up to the final bell. Rfn Dior was awarded best boxer of the night for an outstanding display in the welterweight final. All boxers should be proud of their efforts.
In early 2019, 3 RIFLES entered the Army Major Unit Championship as 2 RIFLES were on Operations and unable to enter a team. The team drew 1 LANCS in the quarter final and the expression of support and sudden interest from certain areas of Battalion, particularly elements of the Late-Entry Officer community
was humbling. Coincidental to this surge in interest, the quarter final was hosted by 1 LANCS
in Cyprus. Despite the
home advantage going against them and a crowd differential of two 3 RIFLES supporters (RSM and Provost Sgt) to the entirety of 1 LANCS, the 3 RIFLES team was victorious. Next, we drew 2 LANCS in the semi-final and
thanks to some superb performances we once again came out on top. This meant that we would face 2 PARA in the final at the home of Army Boxing in Aldershot.
Frustratingly, the final fell in the middle of Exercise SOUTHERN SKIRMISH but with some careful planning and rebooking of ranges we managed to get a good number of the Battalion from Brecon to Aldershot to watch. We were ably supported in gathering a crowd to rival the Paras by 1, 4 and 5 RIFLES who all helped us out by sending contingents. It was both humbling and heart-warming to watch how quickly all the Riflemen joined together to support the 3 RIFLES boxers. The crowd, despite the majority not knowing any of the boxers personally, quickly got into the swing of things and it was a great advert for the Regimental ethos. The Riflemen’s sense of humour was somewhat lost on the Paras who certainly didn’t appreciate the chants “You’ll never beat the RAF Reg” and “We got the bridge before you”. Despite valiant efforts from the Boxers we were narrowly beaten 5-3 by 2 PARA whose boxers were far more experienced than our novice team. Despite the loss the 3 RIFLES team could hold their heads high having done far better than any would have predicted. They were a credit to the Regiment, demonstrating courage, determi- nation and grit in the face of technically excellent boxers.
At Army level, Rfn Henderson (C Coy) has been selected for the Army Podium Squad and has been posted to the Army Boxing Team. Rfn Driscoll (B Coy) has also been invited to represent
the Army and has been on a number of training camps. Both Rfn Driscoll and Rfn Henderson have also trained with Team GB, outstanding achieve- ments for both boxers. Rfn Nevin (A Coy) has returned from the army boxing team and is adding energy to the battalion team on
the coaching front.
Capt Dave Bell Unit Welfare Officer
THE RIFLEMEN’S SENSE OF HUMOUR WAS SOMEWHAT LOST ON THE PARAS WHO CERTAINLY DIDN’T APPRECIATE THE CHANTS “YOU’LL NEVER BEAT THE RAF REG” AND “WE GOT THE BRIDGE BEFORE YOU”
3 RIFLES Battalion Boxing Night