Harman humbles soccer hopefuls

A member of the HMAS Harman team (right) looks to get around his opponent from the Golden Oldies side during the final of the annual Albatross/Nirimba Cup Soccer Competition at Randwick Barracks. Photo: LSPH Damian Pawlenko

Action from the final between HMAS Harman and the Golden Oldies at Randwick Barracks. Photo: LSPH Damian Pawlenko

The HMAS Harman soccer team made a clean sweep of the Eastern Australia Area 2003 Albatross/Nirimba Cup Soccer competition at Randwick Barracks recently.

A total of 17 teams from various bases, ships and establishments participated in a knockout format with all teams playing at least two games.

Once the finals were formalised, four teams remained, those being HMAS Creswell, HMAS Norman, HMAS Harman and a team called Golden Oldies.

HMAS Creswell defeated HMAS Norman 1-0 in the Plate final before Harman fronted up to the talented Golden Oldies for the Cup final.

The game proved a worthy final, with some classic end-to-end action in what became a goal scoring spree, but only after the full-time whistle was blown.

Harman led 2-0 early on before the Golden Oldies scored two goals to draw level.
At full-time, the score remained 2-all, with play moving in to the ‘golden goal’ phase where the next goal scored would win the match.

Neither team was able to break the deadlock, so the pressure was put on the goal-keepers in a penalty shoot-out.

Both sides went goal for goal, with Harman finally gaining the advantage for a narrow 6-5 victory.

Organisers wish to thank all the players and referees for the making the day a success.
The most valuable player award went to CPOPT Stephen Downey from HMAS Watson.

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