By Sgt Megan Webber
TWO ADF teams showed skill and prowess to both finish in the top five at the recent Australian International Men's and Mixed Netball Championships in Melbourne.

The Championships are a leading international netball competition and are regarded as the highest level of netball for Men's and Mixed competition within Australia.

Midn David Jarrett was selected to represent Australia in the Under 23's team in the Post Fiji International Cup in August.

The ADF Men's and Mixed Netball teams competed against national teams from Fiji and New Zealand, as well as a number of Australian states. The ADF teams were the only defence personnel from any nation to compete in the competition.

The men's team, coached by Cpl Dean Burke and captained by Sgt Steve Araci, played well throughout the week to finish fifth overall.

The highlight of the week was the successive victories over Fiji, 57 to 55 in round one and again in round two 59 to 47. The Men's National title went to Victoria Country after downing New Zealand 70 to 57.

The ADF Mixed team, coached by Cpl Brenda Rielly and captained by Cpl Dean Burke, secured a berth in the semi-finals against Victoria after finishing fourth overall. After a hard-fought, competitive match, the victory and preliminary finals spot went to Victoria. The National title in the mixed event went to Victoria Country after downing Victoria 64 to 50.

The Championships are conducted annually, starting on Easter Saturday. Next year it is hoped that teams representing South Africa and Canada will play. The ADF teams will also be back to display their sporting excellence to the netball public.

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