Bool’s custom touch

ABMT Ben Reid side-steps a customs challenger on Ashmore Island recently.

When HMAS Warrnambool (LCDR Mark Sorby) and the Australian Customs Vessel Roebuck Bay were at anchor at Ashmore Island recently, their crews got together for some ‘shore time’.

With permission to land on the island, Roebuck Bay’s sleek tender vessels conveyed all to a small sandbar inside the lagoon.

After exploring the pristine natural beauty of the area, the crews began a ‘do -or-die’ game of touch.

With no shortage of Campese-like ‘goose-stepping’ the ‘Bool Warriors’ took the hapless Customs officers to task.

Even the late introduction of the Customs ‘secret weapon’, a 6ft5 Torres Strait Islander named Chris ‘the Crusher’, was not enough to stop the rampaging Bool Warriors who ran away with a 42 to 40 victory.

Following the game both crews enjoyed a swim before returning to Warrnambool for a steel deck BBQ. The snags, steaks and the chefo’s special hot, cajun chicken were served up as the sun set over the island. It was a fitting end to a terrific day with new friends.

Before sunrise, Warrnambool quietly weighed anchor and proceeded to sea to continue patrol duties.

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