Published on: Monday, October 10, 2022
After five weeks of intense training, nine members of our Royal Marines CCF Section travelled to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines to contest the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy Competition against 18 schools from across the country. This followed quickly after their impressive record-equalling win just earlier this year in March.
Day one was a decidedly physical affair that comprised a number of military stances at the Centre and on Woodbury Common, including a Stretcher Race, the Assault Course, Modern Urban Combat and First Aid. On day two, the team started with an immaculate Drill display that was commended as 'spectacular' by the inspecting Drill Instructor. They followed this by completing the infamous Royal Marines Endurance Course.
During a nerve-wracking closing ceremony, King's was named winner of the Section Attack, Endurance Course, Assault Course, Modern Urban Combat and Map Reading stances, and was ultimately victorious, claiming first place overall.
It is worth noting that in the last thirteen years, King’s has come second on two occasions and won the trophy an incredible EIGHT times, surpassing Pangbourne College as the all-time win record holder. Additionally, this year is the first time a team has surpassed the 1000-point threshold, with the King's team achieving 1057 points.
This is a fitting reward for enduring a regime of early starts and late finishes, and their performance undoubtedly exemplifies the pinnacle of elite performance. What is even more impressive is that these young men commit whatever free time they have to train for this event, with no impact on lesson time. While this is an intensive period for them, the skills they learn (about each other as well as themselves), along with the deep friendships they forge, will last a lifetime. Despite those early mornings, no doubt they will look back at their involvement with fondness and pride.
King’s College CCF Contingent Commander, Major Steve King, said:
“The team are of course elated. This is a fantastic result – we have surpassed the all-time record of wins and it fully justifies the long and arduous build-up. I would like to make a special mention of Captain Pete Belfield, for his dedication, drive, enthusiasm and quality of instruction when training the team. I'd also like to mention two members of the team who have taken part in this event twice this year; Josh C and Jake W. - very well done!”
The team comprised Josh C. Alex K, Max E, Matt S-C, Peter B, Jake W, Will C, George W, and Adam C.