Inspired 2014 | Page 22

Sports It’s been an outstanding year of sport for Northumbria. The County football competition kicked off the sporting calendar with Z Company overall winners. Four teams progressed to the Regional competition where outstanding skill was displayed by all of the NE counties. The senior boys came runners up on goal difference, with the county 3rd overall, and some players being selected to attend the national competition. Those selected for the County cross country team attended the regional competition at Catterick. The intermediate boys and junior girls won their groups, with eight cadets going forward at national level, where the Brigade finished as runners up. Cdt SSgt Jack Lillico from North Shields achieved a silver medal in his group. The rugby team were determined to succeed and retain their regional title and they lived up to expectations, achieving first place overall. At the national competition both Brigade teams contained a high number of Northumbria cadets, and put in excellent performances to reach the finals. The intermediate team beat Wales to be crowned National Champions. The senior team put in an outstanding performance to finish runners up. Cdt L/Cpl Theodore Nwuosu-Hope of Hexham was awarded outstanding player of the tournament for the second year running. In the words of Cdt Cpl Matthew Stokes, “What made a difference, why did we win? The team spirit within Northumbria is deep rooted and our results come from playing as a single unit. I was really pleased and proud to be part of a great day of sport and will wear my National Champions badge with pride.” After fierce competition Z Company was victorious at the county athletics competition. Cadets from all four companies ensured we were well represented at the regional event in Middlesbrough. It was the closest competition for many years with Northumbria narrowly losing out to Cleveland. After a number of hockey trials and training sessions run by Major James and SSI Fletcher a team was selected to attend the regional competition. With some spirited performances they were runners up in the final standings. Four girls were chosen to represent the Brigade at the National event. The county swimming team secured 3rd place at the regional competition with six selected for the Brigade team at who went to the nationals at RMA Sandhurst. Here Cdt Kate McPhee broken two long standing national records, whilst brother Cdt Samuel McPhee won a bronze and Cdt Niamh McNally was a very good fourth in her event. Cdt L/Cpl Chloe Bland from Fenham, in summing up the competition said, “we had a fantastic weekend and have had some new experiences and made many new friends.” 22