A member of the HMAS Albatross team (right) looks for control of the ball, while his opponent from the Hydro Sea Farers looks away during their semi-final clash at the Albatross/Nirimba Cup. Photo by ABBM Matt Page.

A penalty shoot-out win to the HMAS Albatross soccer team saw it take victory in the 2002 Albatross/Nirimba Cup Soccer Knockout at David Phillips Field in Sydney on July 3.

After the preliminary matches featuring eight sides from various establishments, penalty shoot-outs not only decided the final result, but also a semi-final, while the other semi-final was a very close 1-0 victory.

Played in excellent conditions, the high standard was obviously buoyed by the recent World Cup, with enthusiastic action and good sportsmanship being the order of the day for the 31-year-old competition.

The round-robin format saw all teams play at least three preliminary matches, with the top four contenders contesting the finals.

The first semi-final saw no result after normal playing time between HMAS Harman and 723 Squadron from HMAS Albatross, so the guile of the goalkeepers was put to the test in a penalty shoot-out.

With both teams having slotted four goals apiece, Harman made it 5-4 with the 723 Squadron shot to come. This unfortunately went wide and Harman advanced to the cup decider.

The second semi-final was an equally close encounter, with HMAS Albatross hanging on for a 1-0 win against the Hydro Sea Farers.

The final between Albatross and Harman became a battle of fitness and skill as both teams tried valiantly to find the back of the net, with great defence and dogged attack keeping spectators on their toes.

Again after no goals, a penalty shoot-out was required, with Albatross defeating Harman 4-3.

Thus HMAS Albatross was fittingly awarded the Albatross Cup, with Harman taking home the runners-up Nirimba Cup.

An award for the competition's most valuable player saw SMNATV Adam Paloff from HMAS Albatross rewarded with the Albatross/Nirimba Cup Bellinger Shield.

By Michael Weaver