Served up in a bowl ... An Aussie bowler sends a round down range to the touring RAF Shawbury cricket team during their recent match in Sydney. A combined NSW services team thrashed the visitors 226-106. Photo by Bill Cunneen.

The Aussies managed to rack up 226 runs in 45 overs to out-perform their British adversaries, who were all out for 106 after 30 overs.

Capt Mick Say, SME, was a key performer for the combined side, scoring 37 runs at bat and following up with two wickets taken off his bowling for only five runs conceded.

The game, the first of the British tour, was played on only their second day in the country, after which they went on to games at ADFA, HMAS Albatross and RAAF Williamtown.

Wg-Cmdr Nick Nicholson, RAF Shawbury, said the teams were playing for a cup provided by the RAAF, which the tourists would retain regardless of results.

"It will be presented at each game but we're in a win-win situation because, come what may, we will take the cup back with us," he said.

"The Australians are keen for us to have a momento, so we will record how many fixtures we win on that cup."

He said there had been some doubt after the events of September 11 whether the tour would go ahead or not.

"I'm pleased to say that both the British and Australian military authorities were keen for the tour to go ahead because there was a great belief that life should remain as normal as possible."

RAF Shawbury is the home of the UK Defence Helicopter Flying School, which does all basic flying training for all three services.

Of the 15 members on tour, the majority are RAF but include a Navy lieutenant, an Army captain and an Army sergeant.