STARDEX success for some

In Singapore for STARDEX 02, HMA Ships Success, Adelaide, Norman, Diamantina, Geelong and Cessnock were all part of a gala day of Australian football put on by the Singapore Wombats.

Adelaide, Norman, Diamantina and the patrol boats formed a Barbarians side, while Success went it alone against the usually strong Wombats in a round-robin format.

Success opened against the Barbarians and missed a couple of opportunities that would have given the tankermen a handy advantage.

Following half-time, Glen Browne dominated the ruck and young BM 'Dinga' Bell was everywhere for Success. Success slammed on seven goals in the second half to run out a convincing winner — 7.3(45) to 4.5(29).

Success then backed up against the Wombats and started in much the same fashion as the previous game with plenty of opportunities created by the on-ballers.

SMNMT(E) Moffatt held down the key defensive post with aplomb and big 'Jack' (ABBM) Daniels hit the ball hard at fullback.

ABCIS Danny Maric was all over the park at half forward flank.

The 6’2” LSCIS Chris Mallett came on for his first game at forward pocket and hammered the opposition, on one occasion driving the ball carrier over the boundary with such ferocity that there was some fear he may not be dug from the quagmire.

Despite leading at half-time, Success was unable to emulate its previous victory, with the Wombats’ fitness and superior preparation enabling a well deserved win — 12.11(89) to 10.9(69).

The final game between the Wombats and Barbarians was more free-flowing with the Navy side taking it right up to the Wombats, who looked to be tiring.

When both teams seemed to be on their last legs it was the fitness of the divers from Diamantina and Norman that really shone through. They ran through the lines, tackled mercilessly and were very close to being the difference in the end.

With Navy protecting the slightest of margins, the Wombats mounted one more raid to snatch a fantastic victory with a snapped goal by one of their rovers right on the siren.

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