9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2002 - Page 0066
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2002 |
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64 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) Alpine Skiing ith only LCpl Knowles left from the successful Regimental team of 2000/1 expectations were not as high for the results for this seasons racing. The team, however, did have a number of experienced Verbier skiers. We were therefore confident of achieving reasonable results without being the hot favourites. The lack of snow in the early part of the season meant that all became over familiar with the glacier on Mont Fort. Many days were spent willing the sun to appear over the tops of the moun- tains in order to raise the temperatures to an even vaguely acceptable level while praying for snow so that the rest of the resort could be opened up. As always the team consisted of all levels, from those who had benefited from many years in Verbier, to those who had never seen a pair of skis before. In fact, it is still an unanswered ques- tion as whether Lt Willis had even seen snow before. A lasting memory will certainly be Lt Willis, standing bravely at the top of the mountain, in new ski boots, holding a ski in each hand asking “What do I do with these?” Even as team captain, I have to admit his tuition was limited to “follow me.” Needless to say it was a steep learning curve and fortunate that the majority of Swiss do not understand Afrikaans. The only real disappoint- ment of the exercise was Cpl Savage who was forced to return early with a broken leg. His disappointment was audible throughout the village when the doctor pronounced his leg bro- ken. Indeed it was a surprise to all having seen him being given a piggyback down the slope with an enormous smile on his face. While no gold medals were collected, I think it would be more realistic to regard the season as investing in the future. On paper there was a clear divide between the A and B teams. However, as the racing progressed, it quickly became apparent that there was little to separate the teams. Indeed, had it not ”A CO and RSM wsmng the Down/7W SK! Team m Verb/er , /an 02 been for injuries the B team would certainly have made a clean sweep of the prizes, it is also possible that the A team would have had a few more podium finishes as well, but for every sec- ond place there is always an excuse! At both the divisional and army championships 9/12L faired less well, yet to every cloud there is a silver lining. This year’s silver lining was Tpr Liburd who initially came as the fifth man 9/72L Reg/menta/ SK/Team, Verb/er 07/02 I |
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