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The cold nip of autumn did not deter the competitive ambition of enthusiastic runners to complete what is considered the hardest cross-country route in BFG for the RLC(G) Cross-Country Championships.

59 men and 29 women travelled from across BFG to take part in the race. With persistent rain that had marred the whole of the week, there was no doubt that the muddy terrain would make for an interesting and tumultuous race.

With three huge hills in the course, down hills and fast flat areas even the most experienced runners would be put to the test.

Personnel travelled from Münster, Gütersloh, Herford, Dülmen and Bielefeld to complete the 9km course for the men’s section and 7.2km for the women. The event was open to all RLC units and individual RLC personnel attached to other arms and services in Germany. It was also open to non-RLC, allowing one per team, civil servants and dependents of RLC units.

The enthusiasm for the sport showed in the fantastic turnout on the day. One of the best for this event as previous races had been hindered with units deployed or on exercise. The women kick started the afternoon lapping the running track before entering into the woods to face the ambitious course.

Capt Pollard, 7 Regt RLC was keen to set the pace from the start and despite recovering from a hip injury finished the race in an outstanding time of 33 mins35secs. 59 seconds ahead of Pte Oliver, 8 Regt RLC who was hot on her heels!

Capt Swift, HQ 1 Div continued to remain untouchable in the Male Individuals. Smashing his own personal best on this course and steaming ahead of the pack finishing an outstanding 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of runner up Maj Meadows, HQ 1 Div. He remains one of the runners to watch and aim to beat with the BA (G) Cross-Country League Race 1 taking place here next week.

Capt Wilmot, UWO, 7 Regt RLC who organised the event and also proudly claimed runner up in the Men’s Vets 1 section was delighted with the turnout on the afternoon: “It’s been a really successful event with some great results both individually and from the RLC teams. Plus a big thank you goes to members of 7 Regt for the admin support and enthusiasm throughout the day, and of course for winning the main prizes!”

Maj Andy Parker, Regimental 2IC, 7 Regt RLC, continued the praise when he presented the trophies later on in the afternoon at Catterick Bks gym: “A thousand congratulations to you all and thank you for coming to compete.” Recognition well deserved for such a tough event. With the Cross Country League Race 1 taking place at the same venue next week, an event which is open to all units the heat is on for the top spot.

7 Regt won the Women’s Unit, followed by 6 Regt in second and 8 Regt in third. The Men’s Unit and Murray cup winners were also 7 Regt. If you are interested in entering this or any future cross-country event, contact Capt Wilmot through 7RLC-Welfare-UWO@mod.uk

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A friendly football match between two amateur teams from neighbouring villages might not sound like a big deal. However, for the people of Zarghun Kalay in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province, it’s a significant event and a clear sign of how much security has improved.

Until early 2009, the area was under the firm control of insurgents until they were pushed back by British forces during a major operation. Since then International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops and Afghan forces have been providing security from various bases and check points dotted around the villages of Zarghan Kalay and Loy Bagh.

For the last six months, the Royal Marines of Whiskey Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines have been responsible for the area. Working alongside the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP), they have seen a marked improvement in the security situation.

A large part of that is down to the AUP who, under the guidance of the Royal Marines, have grown in both confidence and capability and are now increasingly providing security themselves. Since the beginning of Op Herrick 14, Whiskey Company has transferred four checkpoints to the AUP and now occupies only a third of the CPs they inherited in April.

With Afghans increasingly taking the lead, the Royal Marines have turned their attention to supporting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) in other ways such as civic pride and sporting initiatives.

During a recent shura (meeting) held by locals, elders asked whether a piece of land in the middle of the village of Zarghan Kalay, which has been derelict since the insurgents left, could be put to better use. After much discussion, it was decided to turn the land into a football pitch and a match was organised to mark its official opening.

A local engineering company was tasked with landscaping the ground and two goal posts were constructed in a nearby patrol base with a bit of help from the Marines. Once in place, the locals set about installing the nets and marking out the pitch.

Gnr Nick Halden-Evens Royal Artillery said: “We took a back seat on this initiative and allowed the local people to do as much as they could without our assistance. It’s happened because of the obvious pride they have in their villages and the fact that they feel safe. It has been great to see this project develop and it makes me feel that we have really helped to make a difference.”

Inspired by their favourite European football teams, players from Zarghan Kalay wore the blue strip of Chelsea FC and their opponents from the village of Loy Bagh wore Barcelona’s football kit. People of all ages came to watch the derby in which Zarghun Kalay triumphed with a 3-1 win over Loy Bagh.

Capt Ed Williams Royal Marines said: “We have hardly any ISAF forces here today as the Afghan Uniformed Police are leading on security. The fact that this has been an Afghan led venture from the outset makes a big difference in the eyes of the people. The match was great and everyone had a fun time.”

Sgt Bonita Dacre Royal Logistic Corps says the match is yet another example of how life in this part of Nad-e Ali is returning to normal: “It’s really brought the community closer together and there are other ongoing projects in this village. On the other side of the town is Zarghan Kalay School; this was destroyed by the Taliban but is now being rebuilt by the local government. There is a real sense of progress here at the moment and it is being driven by the Afghans themselves.”

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