Volume 49, No. 22, November 30, 2006

BALL AND ALL: Goalshooter AB Kirstin Bett takes possession under pressure from CPL Nari Cannons during the national netball titles. Photo: WO2 Eric Batemann

NSW gained the lion’s share of the trophies at the ADF national netball championships in Perth from October 22-28 but not before a hard battle with the ACT women’s team.

NSW won a tough women’s final 23-16 by taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout against the ACT and took the mixed 25-24 against a gallant Victorian team in an intense, close and exciting game that see-sawed throughout and was a credit to both.

South Australia dominated the men’s final 38-27 against Combined South-East Queensland/Northern Territory.

The game was highlighted by fast, crisp passing from both sides with Combined SE Qld/NT showing that size up front isn’t everything.

The ACT perhaps could feel a little unlucky after being the most impressive women’s team in a strong and close series of qualifying rounds and losing only one game to South Australia.

It was a week-long flurry of action at the Gibson Park outdoor courts in Fremantle as the best combined Army, Navy and Air Force netball teams from the ACT, NSW, Combined SE Qld/NT, SA, Victoria and WA competed.

Jacinta Burford of Fleet Base West, who has umpired national indoor and outdoor competitions, commented on the spirit and sportsmanship with which carnival players approached the event.

“The games showed a unique quality that only the tri-service players have, with fierce but fair attitudes during the contests that were outstanding and really enjoyable to officiate in,” Ms Burford said.

“The services have a fantastic approach to the game that I have not seen in the many civilian netball matches that I have refereed.”

Organiser and WA player, CAPT Kate Rippon of 109 Signal Squadron 13 BDE, said that the carnival was a terrific success for ADF sport promotion, made easy with a great attitude by all tri-service participants.

“It is wonderful to have combined teams from all three services from all over the country gather together in the west,” CAPT Rippon said.

“Congratulations to the winners and all the players who competed for making each game a terrific tussle in each of the three categories and thanks to all the people who helped bring it together.”

The Trade Winds Hotel was the setting for the presentations and naming of the All Star teams during a formal function to wind up the championships.