Sandhurst Dethrones RMC – Team finishes in Top 5 of 42 teams
(along with Sandhurst, the only team to finish top 5 in all of last five years).
Both teams from Sandhurst Academy; one from the United States Air Force Academy; and one from West Point all ended-up well ahead of the three time defending champions from RMC. At first glance, a disappointment for the College.
The first place Sandhurst “Red” team finished with 913 points (out of a possible 1,000) nine points better than the “Blue” Sandhurst squad. USAF was a distant third with 841 pts. While the best from Army – Company B4 – had 737 – just nine points better than RMC. The Navy team from Annapolis finished in 9th spot with a very respectable 703 points.
In all 42 teams competed. For the record, the competition format has changed big time from recent years. We expect to have a full report in the next edition of e-Veritas from the Coach and many of the participants on what effect the new format had on the RMC team this year.
Commandant, BGen Tom Lawson, when asked about the fifth place finsish responded, “I’m proud of the cadets who made up this year’s team.” He went on to add, …”the competition has changed enormously. Whereas it has traditionally favoured teams with high levels of fitness and excellent “by-rote” teamwork skills, this competition favour teams with extensive military manouevre experience.” The proud Commandant concluded with, “The fact that RMC placed so highly was more a reflection of pure enthusiasm, elite fitness and basic skills training far from disappointing.”
It was the first time back in the winners circle for Sandhurst in four tries after winning for 11 straight years prior to the RMC “three peat”.
For a full review of the 2008 Sandhurst results Click here