Ex BUGLE SPANNER

3 RIFLES LAD –Ex BUGLE SPANNER

Scribe: SSgt Phil Lucas Personnel from 3 Rifles LAD deployed on an overseas sports visit to Cyprus to conduct an end of season football tour. This was utilised as a reward for a hard-fought season and a morale boosting event against the backdrop of a busy Forecast Of Events (FOE).

Cultural yacht tour of Paphos

Cfn Roe with the Pre-match presentation

OC LAD: Captain Sean Hunter ASM: WO1 Michael Foster

On the 3rd September 2022, 3 Rifles LAD deployed on Ex BUGLE SPANNER, an 8-day overseas sports visit to Cyprus for an end of season football tour. Following on from a successful football season and busy Bn FoE, the OC and ASM were eager to get as much of the LAD away for some down time before ramping up again with deployments on Op CABRIT 12 (E) and a 3 Rifles Battle Group deployment to France on Ex ORION 23. As the Bn and LAD Football Coach, I seized the opportunity to organise Ex BUGLE SPANNER to enhance team cohesion, improve fitness and reward the LAD for their hard work throughout the year.

Arriving in Cyprus, the tour began with some compulsory acclimatisation activities due to the temperature still being in the high 30s. An enjoyable day on the beach relaxing and catching up on some sleep was welcomed following our compulsory 6hr check in prior to departure at RAF Brize Norton. The first fixture was against 1st Bn – The Duke of Lancaster Regiment. Partially acclimatised, the LAD initially found it difficult to build momentum. A well drilled 1 Lancs team, it took a staggering 20 minutes to wear down their solid defence before Cpl Joe Evans created a breakthrough; sending the ball to an unmarked Cfn Ste Roe who slotted it past the rooted goalkeeper. Both sides then had periods of good play and possession before the LAD put the game to bed late on. A talented SSgt Phil Lucas carved up the 1 Lancs midfielders before slotting the ball over the top for WO1 (ASM) Michael Foster to nod high into the top corner.

The second fixture seen the LAD meet the islands strongest side, the Joint Mechanical Engineering and Transportation Squadron (JMETS). Being day 5 of the tour, the LAD team were somewhat acclimatised to the heat and started with some lovely free flowing football. A strong start by the LAD saw us cruise to a 3-0 lead by half time with goals from SSgt Phil Lucas, ASM Foster and Cfn Jack Griffiths. The heat still getting the better of some, a host of half-time changes were made by both sides which saw the game take a 2nd half twist. A determined JMETS side gained momentum, clawing back the deficit to 3-3

Squad Picture

before taking the lead 4-3 with 15 minutes remaining. Entering the final 10 minutes, a reshuffle of the LAD side saw the game level with Cfn Matt Musham scoring from inside the box. With the game approaching full time, the LAD was pushing hard for a win in a match that was now providing end to end action. Unfortunately, the LAD could not find the net, hitting the post on two occasions and unable to find the crucial winner. Disappointingly and well into a very generous injury time, JMETS snatched a winner against the run of play.

Alongside the football fixtures, the overseas sports visit provided the LAD with an excellent opportunity for some vital pre-season training. Eager to make the most of our time in Cyprus, a wellproduced Main Events List also presented opportunities off the pitch for some quality down time to experience the local culture and attractions on offer. Continuing with our off-field cohesion, the team visited Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark, seeking to build individuals confidence on a variety of high-speed water slides followed swiftly by relaxing on an extensive lazy river. Other team bonding activities included a voyage around the beautiful coastline on a lively and entertaining ‘yacht’ trip, where the team learnt about Cypriot culture, sampled some magnificent views, and enjoyed a liquid lunch hydrating in the heat. Throughout the overseas sports visit, other activities included paragliding, jet ski hire, and the LAD’s favourite – a karaoke led by Sgt Chris Brown and SSgt Phil Lucas. The overseas sports visit was a fantastic end to a great football season and exceptionally busy period for our LAD.

Reflecting on our LAD and football achievements, the overseas sports visit ended with a team meal on the beach and of course a variety of end of tour awards. The OC Capt Sean Hunter presented Cpl Joe Evans with the player of the tour followed by a collective karaoke to bring an end what was an unbelievable overseas sports visit to Cyprus.

Pre-Match v JMETS

Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark

Cpl Evans Presentation from Capt Hunter - Player of the Tour Team Bonding Night