By Michael Weaver
ARMY cricketers relinquished their grip on the Australian Services Cricket Association (ASCA) national title after losing to Air Force at the Inter-Service national carnival at Brisbane Grammar playing fields from November 13-15.

After winning the last ASCA national championship in February 2001, Army could not overcome Air Force, which was undefeated through the tournament. Air Force was also the only side to defeat the New Zealand Defence Force team, which played games against each service but was ineligible for the overall championship.

Army went into the event with less than half its side from the 2001 victory and introduced many young bowlers who will stand them in good stead for the future, according to seasoned team captain Capt Jim Johnston.

Army began with a close one-wicket win against Navy, despite being bowled out for 214 in the 47th over. Vice-captain Peter Downe scored 52, while many others made promising starts. Navy in reply could only muster 197 from their 50 overs, with Cfn Jason Hahn and Cpl Jamie Pitt taking two wickets each.

With Air Force also defeating Navy, the final match between Army and Air Force decided the title, with Army winning the toss and getting off to a good start with the bat at 1/62.

However, a middle order collapse took hold and again Army was bowled out, this time on the last ball of the innings, setting a modest total of 182.

Army then took to the field under darkening skies and the prospect of a storm influencing the result.

However, Air Force had also done its sums with openers Weller and Harris posting a 127-run opening partnership before the first lightning strike in the 28th over, with Air Force sitting pretty at 2/154.

“It (the weather) was always going to be on our side if the rain came in,” Capt Johnston said.

A half-hour stoppage saw play resume under a light drizzle and Air Force scored 21 runs from the next two overs before passing the total in the 33rd over.

While disappointed, the Army captain said a lack of batting depth was the main reason behind the loss.

“Previous to that, they bowled very well and then of course they just came out and spanked us to win the title.”

“On a positive, we unleashed some young blokes and a number of those are young bowlers, so they’ll come on over the next few years and that’s a good thing.”

Capt Johnston named Pte Dan McKennariey as the team’s best, while Army’s sole representative in the ASCA side, Cfn Jason Hahn as also been effective.

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