The action from Tuggeranong Indoor Sports Stadium ... Victorian player Vicki Black spikes against ACT blocker Jo McKowen. Photo by Sgt W. Guthrie, Defence Digital Media

Beach play looks good

By Michael Weaver
Beach volleyball made an impressive debut at the ADF Volleyball Association (ADFVA) Combined Service National Titles in Canberra from November 9-17.

The beached volleyballers were among more than 150 players and officials from all over Australia and included two international teams from the Royal Navy and New Zealand Army.

Sgt James Rogers said the highest previous representation of beach volleyball had been at inter-service level.

“Given the success of the beach volleyball tournament it may now be included in future ADFVA national tournaments,” he said.

Held at RAAF Fairbairn, the women’s final saw Flt-Lt Deb Ward and Flt-Lt Vicki Campbell, Queensland, defeat Lt Monica Goodheart and Cpl Michelle Sweeney, NSW.

Defence civilians John Cassat and Brad Osborn, ACT, defeated Peter Vanherah and Cpl Nick Booth, NSW.

The indoor volleyball tournament saw both the NSW Women and ACT Men’s sides defend their national titles won in 2001.

NSW Women scored a 3-1 victory over Victoria in the grand final, with most valuable player award going to Maj Jenny Becker, NSW.

In the men’s grand final, ACT Men defeated Queensland, also 3-1, with most valuable player being Brad Osborn, ACT.

Following the event, ADF sides were selected for the Arafura Games in 2003.

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