Submariner POET David White surfaced as a major player on the ADF squash scene after the ADF squash nationals at RAAF Williamtown recently.
“POET White, of HMAS Waterhen, was formerly a squash member of the Australian Institute of Sport and played Premier League fixtures in Brisbane before joining the Navy in 1993,” one of the ADF title organisers, SGT Madonna Doyle said.
“POET White has spent most of his Naval career on various submarines and ships, which has not been conducive to his favourite sport.
“Recently POET White dusted his racquet off to participate in the NSW inter-service squash tournament at Willoughby in July. After a great match in which he beat ADF number three ranked player, SGT Darryl Ferguson of Williamtown.”
Four weeks later, POET White gave it his all in the men’s open semis at Williamtown against ADF number two SGT Daryl Bessell (Air Force) but lost in a close battle.
SGT Bessell displayed his dogged determination by defeating POET White in a marathon five games, before going on to win the event.
The finals were an awesome display of skill and fitness and this close game has inspired POET White to start training again.
“I intend working on my fitness level over the next 12 months so I can hopefully go one better next year,” POET White said.
