By
LEUT Luke Andrews
The
Royal Australian Navy Soccer Association has continued to grow
from strength to strength, with another strong performance in
the recent Forster Soccer Club 6-a-side challenge.
Building upon a strong national titles the men’s team were successful
in winning the A Consolation Final. The RAN team was regarded
as a front-running team in the 52 team competition, with crowds
lining the fields to watch the RAN side.
The RAN did not disappoint, playing a physical and expansive form
of football, creating good scoring opportunities and thrilling
the crowd.
The team moved through the pool rounds, winning all three matches
and defeating the eventual competition winners, Umina, 2 - 1,
in a physical and high tempo match.
The success of the team in the pool matches had the RAN matched
against a side from Woolgoolga in the first match of the A division
rounds.
Unfortunately, the RAN was defeated by Woolgoolga with a scrappy
goal in the last minute of the match, putting them into the consolation
rounds.
The RAN took the loss in their stride, refocussed on their form,
and won their remaining three matches to take out the consolation
final and the $400 winners cheque with a 2 - 0 win.
The RAN player of the tournament was MIDN Adrian “Steady” Eddie,
who performed out of sight in goals.
The tournament was a great success for the RANSA with several
players being developed with an eye towards the National titles
in November.
The players player went to MIDN Eddy and top goal scorers were
ABCSO J. Dover (HMAS Sydney) - 6 and LSWTR R. Mason (MPAC-SC)
- 4.
Many thanks must be given to the RANSA Patron, CAPT S.R.W McDowall
for his support of the RANSA and to the RANSA President, POCK
Shaun Taylor (HMAS Watson).
