Squash
By CAPT Stephanie Lacey
Navy
squash players had their most competitive year in recent history
at the ADF Squash National Championships, held at RAAF Williamtown
July 24-28.
In an effort to increase RAN numbers, Navy Squash President LCDR
Brian Froome managed to recruit a good number of players for this
year’s tournament with some outstanding results.
Navy was superior in its interservice matches against Army, winning
five games to one.
The triumphant team of CMDR Ian Middleton, LCDR Brian Froome,
WO Bob McComas, LS Steve Henderson, PO Pennie Douglas and LS Bronwyn
Fenton earned the right to challenge the RAAF in the annual national
interservice final.
Unfortunately the RAAF combination, which included the three highest
ranked men at the carnival, proved too strong in the final matches.
Noteworthy performances included PO Pennie Douglas as runner-up
to the number one seeded FLGOFF Brianna Connelly (RAAF) in both
of the hotly-contested women’s open and masters finals.
LCDR Brian Froome was impressive as he earned runner-up in the
men’s A grade final, as well as teaming up with the RAAF’s
SGT Peter Gilkes to conquer the doubles title.
In a remarkable turnaround, and showing arguably the greatest
improvement since 2002, LS Steve Henderson claimed the title as
the men’s C grade champion.
Despite these impressive performances, president of ADF Squash
CMDR Ian Middleton wishes to further raise the profile of squash
as not being a sport for just the elite-level player.
The annual national competition caters for players of all standards
with players being graded according to their ability. It would
be fantastic to see an even stronger Navy contingent at the 2004
nationals which will be held at RAAF Williamtown at the end of
July next year.
ADF Squash is planning an overseas tour in 2004, probably to New
Zealand in the first two weeks of August 2004.
Nominations and expressions of interest are sought from interested
(registered) ADF Squash Association players and officials wishing
to be part of the tour.
Nominations are to be submitted to the Navy representative LCDR
Brian Froome on email Brian.Froome@defence.gov.au
by October 31 for consideration by the selection panel.
