Michael Gahan, AHQ, defends against the onslaught of RAAF at Duntroon. Photo by Cpl Wade Laube.

Canberra's oldest turf wicket hosted the ACT Inter-service Cricket Competition, a precursor to a national, combined service event.

The three-day series at RMC Oval saw each of the services field a team for the competition, some having more difficulty in doing so than others.

Two days before the match Army had insufficient players to enter a side.

But as forfeiting was not considered an option, Canberra was searched high and low, retirees were called upon, and some arm-twisting employed in order to meet the challenge.

Captain of the Army team Maj Craig Atkins said that in the spirit of traditional inter-service rivalry, Army refused to forfeit to the other services.

"We're upholding the honour of Army by ensuring we field the most competitive side we can," he said.

"After Air Force coasted to victory over Navy, only Army could stand in their way to a clean sweep of the competition.

"However superior bowling meant that Army was swept away with the same ease that Navy was dealt with in the previous match.

"There were, however some outstanding efforts displayed in attempting to hold out the strength of the RAAF bowling attack."

Army went down with a final score line RAAF 8/262, Army 10/65.

The competition continues at RMC with Army facing Navy for second place - results will be published in the next edition of ARMY.