By LSPT Travis Lovell
Seven teams including representatives from HMAS Kuttabul, HMAS Manoora, and HMAS Albatross contested the 2006 East Australian Area (EAA) Mixed Netball competition at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on August 30.
The teams representing HMAS Kuttabul included Krispy Kremes (HMAS Kuttabul Cooks), Fima High power, Head Quarters Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC), Bye Bye (FFG SPO) and the Communic8tors (Navcals).
The competition was a round-robin format which ensured all teams enjoyed at least seven games throughout the day.
Despite the relatively small field of competitors, expectations where high with a world-class venue right at their feet.
The teams were ready to showcase their talent and show what Navy Netball was made of.
In the early round games the Bye Byes, HQ JOC and the Communic8tors looked like contenders.
With each game, the skills on display got better and better.
At the end of the round robin games the top four teams progressed through to the finals.
Two teams were eliminated in the semi-final, leaving HMAS Albatross and Bye Bye (FFG SPO HMAS Kuttabul) to play it out in the grand final.
The game was played in fantastic spirit and came down to the wire with the Kuttabul team holding on for the win.
At the end of the day, just two points separated the two top teams, with a final score of 23-21.
This year the referees awarded the EAA Mixed Netball Competition Most Valuable Male player to LEUT Simon Moore with the female Most Valuable Player awarded to Justine Heath.
The teams would like to thank NSW Netball Association, who did a great job throughout the day.
They would also like to thank the Physical Trainers from HMAS Kuttabul for organising and administering a fine sporting event.
