For HMAS Stirling's, ABCSO David Goldhahn, a night out to the Perth Entertainment Centre to watch his beloved Perth Wildcats do battle with the Victorian Titans in the National Basketball League had a pleasant surprise ending.

David's name was drawn in a competition to attempt landing a goal from the court's halfway line.

In a state of shock at having won the opportunity to try the shot and in front of 8000 fans, David took it all in his stride and with one step and a metre back from the centre line launched the basketball at the backboard.

The ball hit the backboard and fell neatly into the hoop.

His prize a brand new Holden Barina from City Motors, Perth and one year's comprehensive car insurance from Western QBE, both main sponsors of the Perth Wildcats.

And David's sporting interest? At 6 foot 5 inches on the old scale, he has represented the Navy in inter service basketball and has played combined services for Western Australia. Maybe this sporting interest helped him with his shot?

David was so excited at sinking the shot, he does not recall the last quarter of the game between the Wildcats and Titans, and had to watch a replay to refresh his memory.

Fortunately his shot was also captured on video, which gives David a permanent reminder of his skill.

And for the basketball purists, the Wildcats beat the Titans 88-83.

By Gary Booth PACC(WA)