Navy team captain Ken Meridith and Glen Clark (No.8) halt the progress of an Army player during the national championships in Sydney. Photo by Michael Weaver.

The pain on the faces of Navy's Australian football players at full-time in their match against Army was obvious at the Australian Services Australian Football Association (ASAFA) National Championships in Sydney from June 3-7.

Army had just handed out a 132-point hiding in the final match of the tournament, but the Navy players felt like they had just lost a grand final.

So convincing was the Army side that it won the title before the carnival even finished, thanks mainly to the Air Force defeating Navy in the opening game.

Army then had a close call against Air Force, but went on to win, which in effect handed it the championship before the final match against Navy. (Army, as the defending champion, would automatically retain the title if Navy had won).

However, there was more than just pride at stake in the traditional grudge match between Army and Navy at the University of NSW oval.

Both teams blooded 14 new players, but the Army drew first blood with the first two goals before Navy came back with two goals of their own.

Army then made better use of its opportunities and at quarter-time the score read Army 5.6 (36) to Navy 3.0 (18).

Results at a glance: Men's game one (Monday, June 3): RAAF 17.10 (112) def Navy 10.5 (65). Men's game two (Wednesday, June 5): Army 11.18 (84) def RAAF 7.3 (45). Men's game three (Friday, June 7): Army 25.21 (171) def Navy 6.3 (39). Women's game one (Wednesday, June 5): Southern 4.5 (29) def Northern 1.4 (10). Women's game two (Friday, June 7): Southern 4.10 (34) def Northern 1.2 (8).

The second quarter saw the Navy backline get a real workout, with Army players at times trying to set up a match-winning score and only some inaccurate kicking cost them such a luxury.

However at half-time, Army led by 33 points - 9.11 (64) to 5.1 (31).

Any hopes Navy had were soon snuffed out when Army goaled twice in the first two minutes of the third term, while a further two goals in the next five minutes put the issue beyond doubt.

Navy managed one goal for the quarter, but not before Army had kicked nine to lead 18.13 (121) to 6.2 (38).

As the light dimmed, Army's afternoon glow soon cast a shadow on a Navy side that showed great gusto in the first quarter, but finished with just 'guts' by the final siren.

Navy was held goal-less in the final term, while Army added a further seven goals to run away with a 132-point victory - 25.21 (171) to 6.3 (39).

After the match, ASAFA operations manager LT Peter Crosby paid tribute to the Navy side's ability to play out the match.

"It was a great effort from the team to get their numbers together, especially with the Navy having just about all ships at sea," said LT Crosby.

"The teams are together for only a week beforehand, so it's great to see the team building exercises carry on to the field.

"The players will take this experience back to their units and hopefully come back better for it next year."

The 2003 ASAFA National Championships are scheduled to be held in March.

By Michael Weaver