Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland Army Cadet Force

LNR ACF bring home the trophy for Eastern Region at the National Hockey Championships 2011
After convincingly winning the Eastern Region competition back in February, LNR ACF were asked to represent Eastern Region at Imphall Barracks, York at the National Competition on Saturday 2nd July. With some last minute team additions, we travelled on Friday night for an overnight stay at Strensall Barracks where we were met by Major Wilkinson the Eastern Region Sports Officer.
	With four new team members we had little time to practice before our first pool match which was held at York University. We found ourselves drawn in the more difficult pool against two previous National winners, one of whom were the reigning champions. However, we flew through the pool matches without a loss (other than Georgina Kilgour who had to go to hospital to check out her knee after a nasty fall).

We easily won our pool and looked very strong to contend for the title. Soon afterwards, with a player and SMI Richardson, our team manager short, we moved to Imphall Barracks to compete in the semi -finals. My thanks to Mrs Hale who came to watch the competition, who helped spur on the team and coach us through the semi’s. Our Commandant Colonel S Davies was present on the day, and gave the girls a very encouraging team talk before the final.
	Everyone’s spirits lifted at the return of Cadet Kilgour and SMI Richardson during the final, and in extra time we scored the deciding goal and became National Champions beating 6 other Regions.
The team was led by our Captain Steph Hale of E Company, who is most definitely our secret weapon, scoring the majority of our goals. Our team comprised: C Walker, E Oliver, S Johnson, K Ojari of B Sqn, E Bouttier-Butler of C Coy, S Hale, E Slann, H Bradbury, K Burton, G Kilgour, F Mansfield and L Hankins of E Coy.
All the cadets received Regional Colours and their National Colours and certificates will be forwarded in due course.
	They are to be congratulated on a fantastic achievement. My particular thanks to SMI Richardson for managing the team, Mrs Hale for her support and the cadets, some of whom agreed to play with only a day’s notice, ensuring we could compete!
Sports are an essential attribute of life, they build us up physically, mentally and even spiritually to some extent, as we learn to take gains and losses in the same stride, with a sense of team spirit that is essential in later life.
If you have an interest in sport and would like to represent the County, speak to your Detachment Commander or Area Sports Rep and come and join teamLNR. Lt Col Mandy Davanna Deputy Commandant LNR ACF