Anzac spirit on sporting fields

COP THAT: LSPT Shane Murphy competes for the ball with a Danish player, during Anzac United’s sevena- side tournament in Glasgow.

Photo: POPH Damian Pawlenko

CHARGE: LSMT Bryan Minns takes the attack to the Strathclyde Police.

Photo: POPH Damian Pawlenko

By LEUT Rachel Irving

It was a case of courage and Aussie spirit on the line when ship’s company of HMAS Anzac took to the sporting grounds of Glasgow last week.

With the Strathclyde Police and personnel from other ships in harbour for the Joint Maritime Course ready to take on the Aussie challengers in netball, rugby and round robin 7-a-side soccer, it was all hands to the sports ground for a good old-fashioned rumble.

In netball, Anzac’s mixed team took on the Strathclyde Police women’s side.

Despite good performances from many of the players, including newcomers ABSTD Alana Caldwell and SMNMT Melissa Deluz, the visitors could not get the points on the board to take a win.

The Police side, with two years of experience as a team behind them, was too strong and eventually took the game 26-18. Seven-a-side soccer was played in a round-robin format against the visiting ships, many of them from European nations, where soccer is the main sporting past time.

With just two reserves to start with and injuries to many players, by the third and last game the Anzac team had to call on all their spirit and courage to remain on the pitch.

Anzac managed an excellent 3-1 win against the Danes, but experienced losses to the English and German teams, who both went on to make the final in a spectacular showdown.

The English triumphed 3-2. ABMT Joel Chapman was voted the best player for the Anzac side.

In rugby, the Anzac Diggers played a tough game against the well-drilled Strathclyde Police.

The game was always going to be a challenge for the Diggers, playing against a team that competes in the Scottish national and police league.

Though the home team won 29-14, the scoreline did not reflect the battle that ensued. Coach POCSS Rob Hackett said despite the end result, he was more than happy with the Diggers. “Our game rose to another level today.

Our pick and drive was much better and our forwards were tremendous,” he said. “The Police team are very well-drilled side who have just finished a full 20-game season.

Their play lifted ours as well and I am very happy with our boys.

“Outstanding players for us today include open flank LSBM Chad Morris, Paul Salmeri, Adam West and number eight LEUT Arno Tielens.”

Meanwhile, further north in another sporting venture, two members of Anzac’s ship’s company took to the freezing Scottish waters of Loch Ness in an effort to find the elusive Nessie.

POET Alf Green and ABBM Nick Martin were seen entering the icy waters of the Loch wearing little more than Aussie speedos and a smile.

They were later seen exiting the water without the smile.

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