G Company teams swept the board at the Colonels Cup competition on 22-24th February.
Sullivan won the top slot, Comber and Ards marched in 3rd and 4th with Ards being the Sharpshooters of the contest.
This is a stunning performance from G Company and a very enviable bag of trophies.
 

More, and pictures, to follow.
 
 

Top Trio 4 Stars

On Tuesday evening, 29th January, at the offices of Castlereagh Council, Belfast, 2nd battalion honoured it's 4 Star cadets. The Mayor of Castlereagh kindly consented to award the certificates after inspecting the parade of the Battalion's finest. Citations on each ourstanding cadet were read by Maj. Moffatt, Bn Training Officer and each recipient marched proudly forward to receive their certificate.

The new Bn Cadet RSM was also announced at this venue and it turned out to be Jonathan Wallace from Kilkeel. Congratulations to him. G Company was represented extremely well this year with 4 Star certificates being presented to three of the best lads in the whole of the ACF: Cdt Sgt Paul Boyle, Cdt SSGT Stephen Bingham and Cdt Cpl Jonathan Minnis.

Afterwards, each cadet had a tour of the brand new, high tech. council offices and chambers and a personal chat with the Mayor Other dignitaries present included the Secratary RFCA NI Brigadier Osborne, Dep. Sec RFCA NI Major Chisum and our own Commandant Lt. Col Smyth and Commandant Designate Lt.Col Gregg.

On 27th of October 2001, ten cadets from G Company performed the duty of Guard of Honour for the dedication of a memorial to the men of 1st Regt. SAS. This ceremony took place in the village of Darvel, East Ayrshire, near Kilmarnock in Scotland. This village was the first depot for the SAS, which was originally commanded by
Lt Col. "Paddy" Blair Mayne.In particular honour to this great local hero, it was decided to invite Northern Irish cadets from the Newtownards area - since Blair Mayne was a native of Newtownards - to provide the Guard of Honour and perform the March Past and Salute. Later, the Cadets and accompanying Officers and NCO's were the guests of honour, along with veterans of 1 SAS, at a special lunch in Darvel Town Hall.

G Company was hosted for the weekend by A Coy, West Lowland Bn ACF at their training centre in Ayr.This Company were wonderful hosts and made us most welcome. Our thanks to them for accomodating us. Thanks also to the people of Darvel and the Blair Mayne Association of Newtownards for giving us the opportunity to participate in this tribute to heroes. G Company also thanks 2nd Bn HQ, in particular Maj. Noel McConnell, for arranging the transport and accomodation. All of us who took part feel honoured to have done so.
 
 
 
 

 Bateson's Challenge Successes.
Sullivan Platoon calimed top slot again this year in the Company competition, with Ards running in just behind them. Sullivan virtually swept the board with their experienced and well led team. They also claimed the Company Rifle competition as part of their bag of swag to take home. Sgt Stephen Bingham bagged the Best Section Commander trophy, and well deserved it was to. All teams who took part devoted themselves to doing their best and everyone seemed to have a great time as well.

Sullivan team receiving the Trophy

Sgt Stephen Bingham receiving Best Sec. Commander trophy from Major Hollinger

Ards team receiving  Runners Up award.

Comber team in action during the Challenge