Defensive tactics

A typical winter fog blankets the soccer oval at RAAF Base Richmond as a Navy player gets a heads-up against LAC Nathan King. Photos by Bill Cunneen

An Army player puts the pressure on LAC Nathan King.

DESPITE a top effort by Army in the NSW Interservice Soccer Titles, the soldiers were outdone by RAAF and Navy in what proved to be a tough competition.

The Army’s soccer stars will now turn their focus towards the ADF Interservice Titles in November at Randwick Barracks in Sydney, where they are the defending champions. At RAAF Base Richmond from July 9-11, the Air Force men’s team successfully defended its NSW Interservice title after close encounters with both Army and Navy.

Air Force defeated Army 3-1 on day one and followed that up with a 1-0 victory against Navy to take the title.

Navy had also earlier defeated Army, setting the stage for the airsea showdown. In the game against Army, Air Force withstood a strong start from Army and the teams went in at half time nil-all.

Army then let their game slip and Air Force managed to slot three goals, eventually beating Army by two goals. In the championship decider between Navy and Air Force, the RAAF boys again struggled at the start of the match and throughout the first half.

A few stern words and some tactical substitutions during the break brought the team to life, with Air Force dominating the play during the second half.

Air Force had a few shots at goal but it came down to LAC Michael Kemp who slotted the winner with 10 minutes remaining. Air Force midfielder LAC Geoff Gillard was later named player of the tournament.

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