By Barry Rollings
Key Navy players stood out as the inaugural tour of Singapore by the ADF men’s and women’s basketball teams from July 1 to 10 proved a resounding success.
Livewire guard AB Sarah Legg provided plenty of spark for the women’s team, while SMN Andrew Boylen was steady for the men’s team.
The men won all five of their games and the women won three of five.
The visit resulted from both the ADF teams and Singapore’s involvement in the Arafura Games in Darwin, which led to the invitation.
A party of 31 including players, coaches and support staff made the trip. Games were played at the East Greyling headquarters for the Basketball Association of Singapore.
The men, captained by BDR Matty Jones, were too strong for the smaller Singapore national side, muscling their way to five straight victories.
The ADF women played four against the national team and one against the national junior women’s team.
Although the Singaporean sides were speedier, the ADF dominated the competition with their height. The women, in particular, captained by FLGOFF Fiona Harris, had a distinct height advantage against the Singapore national team.
“It was a fantastic tour,” men’s coach WOFF Michael Kearney said.
“The players were very professional on a very well organised tour which enhanced the ADF image in Singapore.
“The games were very physical and fast and of a high standard.
“The young players in the men’s side learnt how to play at the higher level, using a different skills set.
“They developed and worked on those over the five games. It was their attitude on and off the court which made the difference.”
Women’s coach FSGT Brian Lawrie was very happy with results achieved on tour.
