Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

Kapooka 1's Sgt Steve Gibbs, centre, looking to off-load the ball during the mens final.

Mixed teams and members from the ADF knuckle out first-class competiton at the Kapooka sevens Netball Tournament at Wagga Wagga.
All photos by LS Rachel Irving, Navy newspaper

Men's hot victory

Let there be no doubt about it - the tough guys of netball have arrived and they're all soldiers.

In testing heat, competitors from across the Services fought for first place in the women's, men's and mixed events.

The men's final saw HMAS Albatross take on the hosts and last year's winner, Kapooka.

Men's netball is a tough, fast-running game with plenty of ego and this match proved no different.

Kapooka came out strong from the start with their centre, Sgt Steve Gibbs leading by example with his gutsy determination and fitness across the court.

With help from wing attack Lt Chris Thompson and wing defence Lt Shaun Dwyer, Kapooka managed to restrict Albatross to just two goals in the first quarter.

Albatross came out firing in the second quarter, determined to turn things around.

Standout performances from goal defence Smn Jason Zinner, with his quick reactions and excellent defence, and more consistent shooting from Smn David Ruane saw the Navy team fight back.

Tempers threatened to boil over half-way through the quarter with a tight game delighting the small but enthusiastic crowd.

Sloppy passing through the centre court in the third quarter cost Albatross vital scoring opportunities, saved only by poor shooting from Kapooka.

Last year's winners proved in the last quarter why they should retain the title.

Again with Sgt Gibbs leading the way, Kapooka lifted, dominating the last ten minutes and eventually romping home six-points clear winners, 15-9.

Both teams played well till the end and to Albatross' credit they never looked like throwing in the towel.

The women's final
The women took to the court next for their final with mixed-service teams RAAF Glenbrook1 taking on RAAF Glenbrook2.

Glenbrook2 took to the court with only six making it to the final after playing all day with so few.

Although they were the first to post points on the board, it was going to be hard for them through the center court and not having a ing attack really cost them some opportunits.

centre for Glenbrook1, Capt Amanda Dewar, made the 2s pay for the loss of a player, with her superb fitness and athleticism punishing them and setting up scoring opportunities for her own shooters.

In a game displaying good attacking and excellent defence from both teams, it was the loss through centre court and some sloppy first quarter shooting from the 2s that saw Glenbrook1 lead 8-5 at the first change.

Glenbrook2 came out fighting in the second after some position changes, with Cpl Katie Staines moving to centre and Plt-Off Gina Lowe to wing defence.

Their shooting by Cpl Ros O'Brien and Lacw Maree Barnes really lifted as the women found their rhythm.

Tight defence from Glenbrook2's defenders Capt Lynne Oldfield and Pte Janette Seabrook helped to restrict the flow of the opposition's game, while teamwork helped keep them in the game.

The half time score reflected the intensity of the battle, with the 1s retaing their three point lead, 14-11.

While the 2s came out fighting in the third, again putting the first points on the board, it was going to be the loss of a person that would see them struggle in the quarter.

Glenbrook1 dominated, with the combination of Capt Dewar, wing attack Cpl Taryn Buxton and wing defence AB Sara Jackett ensuring the ball remained in their control.

Their shooters, Capt Erica Rayward and Cpl Lauren Radcliffe, were sharp and consistent and piled on the points while missed scoring opportunities for the 2s proved costly.

Glenbrook2 continued to move around positions of the players searching for a winning formula, but with only six on the court it was always going to be a hard ask against a class side.

The 1s were first rate and deserving winners, though with even numbers on the court it may have been a different story. The full-time score read 29-17 in favour of the 1s.

The mixed final
The last game of the day saw HMAS Albatross take on a tri-service team from RAAF Glenbrook in the mixed competition.

Mixed netball is always a good mix of traditional netball skills and solid play from the ladies, coupled with the fast game of the men. It makes for entertaining viewing.

The first quarter was tight with both teams showing a few nerves. Defence from each side was good, restricting the first quarter scores to 6-2 in favour of Glenbrook.

The experience of players such as Cpl Ryan Gibbs, AB Jo Conley and Cpl Nick Dawes and Sgt Simon Statton proved a key difference for the Glenbrook side.

The aggressive defence of Conley and Dawes, however, could not take from some nice shooting from Albatross's LS Richard Dorrey. The half time score read 14-7 to Glenbrook.

The highlight of the third quarter, dominated by the Glenbrook team, would have to go to LS Dorrey who took a pass which could only be described as a spectacular Aussie Rules mark deep in the circle.

In the last quarter, Cpl Gibbs stepped up, playing his usual aggressive game through the centre court and Sgt Statton also stood out.

Albatross fought back with consistent shooting and in the end only lost by eight points - the full time score Glenbrook 29, Albatross 21.

Best and Fairest Player (Mixed) for the carnival went to Lt Sara Reynolds from ALTC1, for the women's competition the honour went to Capt Erica Rayward, Glenbrook1, and from the men's competition the title went to Cpl Craig Brown from Kapooka1.

Kapooka 7's organizer Cpl Brad Landouw said he was pleased with the success of the carnival.

"We had teams travel from across the regions and they have played in the true tri-service spirit of the game," he said.

"Overall it was a very good competition in all three divisions the men's, the women's and the mixed.

"There was some very good talent and, in fact, several people have been scouted for selection to play ADF netball. This is a very good reflection of the carnival as this is only the second year it has been held."

He thanked Defcredit, the major sponsor of the Kapooka 7's who increased their sponsorship of the event, making it a bigger and better carnival.