By Pte Tim Asher
BRISBANE Area Touch Association players made the annual trek to RAAF base Amberley recently, to contest the SEQ Inter-service touch football competition.

After a morning of preliminary matches, the competition started poorly for the visitors, with the men's over-40s being defeated 8-1.

The ladies were also defeated 5-2.

In the second round of matches, the over-35s fared little better, falling victim to RAAF 6-2.

The over-30s relinquished a handy lead, only to succumb to the airmen in third extra time 4-3.

With the pride of the Army at stake, the mens open team hit the paddock with all guns blazing.

Army's attack saw incisive runs up the centre, then defending against the airmen who spread the ball from wing to wing.

Capitalising on an offside penalty at half way, Army drew first blood, scoring out wide.

RAAF hit straight back in the next set, and the scene was set for a do-or-die effort.

Army's strong defence opened up plenty of scoring opportunities, only to see too much dropped ball starve them of points.

The RAAFies then enjoyed a mountain of possession, but were thwarted by Army's tenacious defence.

Army scored their second try in the corner, with RAAF running in the next in the centres, courtesy of an offside penalty.

Close to the line the Army dummy half scooted into the in-goal, passing the ball to a support player who was held and a try was awarded.

Through quick play of the balls Army regularly gained 50 - 60 m, and soon increased the lead to 4-2.

Like a prize fight, the match swung blow for blow, with Army going into the break up five tries to four.

Early in the second half, inspired by team captain and Australian representative Cpl Steve McIntyre, Army, crossed in the corner.

Army's attack continued pushing the ball left to right, and in response RAAF attacked with short, sharp passes.

Army put on a dummy half run, leading to a run-around manoeuvre, creating an overlap on the right wing, resulting in a try in the corner.

Dummy half runs then dominated the latter stages of the match with both sides reaching the line a couple of times without immediate support.

Quick hands by RAAF led to a try, bringing the score to 7-6.

Army's resolve held out to the end, with a last ditch effort by RAAF in the dying seconds denied by a fingertip touch to the shirt of a try-line bound attacker.

On the second day of competition, the Army sides took on the South Queensland Police in four games, with results seeing two wins apiece.

On countback, the police sides proved victorious with 17 touchdowns to 13.

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