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FLEET FOOTED: LSCD
Nick Clancey of Fleet Command strides out in the rugby union
clash with Systems Command at Randwick Barracks. MIDN Peter
Waring, captain of Systems, is in pursuit. Fleet won this game
but the Intercommand Sports Day ended with honours shared at
two games each.
Photo: ABPH Paul Berry |
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The 2007 Intercommand Sports Day was conducted in ideal conditions at
Randwick Barracks on Thursday, March 22. The event was opened by WOPT
Steve Downey who reaffirmed the Navy Sports Council’s commitment
to fund all sports played by members in the RAN.
The women of Systems Command and Fleet Command started the day off with
a game of fiercely contested Netball. The game started in a scrappy manner
for both teams, but Systems soon found team cohesion and opened up a small
lead at half-time.
In the second half, Systems continued to stretch the lead, finally winning
by 31-20. Both teams were presented Navy Health prizes from the CEO of
Navy Health Mr John Rashleigh.
The women’s AFL followed. There was a shortage of starters, so a
few of the netballers helped to fill the numbers. Fleet Command dominated
most facets of the game - and though many first-time players tried their
hearts out - Fleet ran out easy winners, 10.2 (62) to 1.1 (7).
As this was the first time women’s AFL had been played at intercommand
level, a best on ground medallion was struck. The Rohan Jennings Medal
was awarded to ABSN Sara Mooney from HMAS Manoora. POPT Greg Probyn from
HMAS Kanimbla controlled the game to a good standard.
The men’s AFL game started at a frenetic pace with both Systems and
Fleet throwing themselves in for the ball. Systems however had better
ball runners and were four goals up by quarter time.
Fleet continued to hang in but couldn’t put the scores on the board,
only adding another goal in the second quarter, going into half-time trailing
by 32 points, 44 to 12.
The second half continued much like the first, with Systems continuing
to pull away, eventually winning 16.5 (101) to 4.2 (26). As a solo central
umpire for the game, ABBM James Miller did an excellent job. The Jamie
McGinley Cup was again awarded to Systems while the best on ground award,
the Darren Murray Medal, was won by LCDR Simon Levy.
The final game of the day was between the rugby boys of Fleet and Systems.
With both teams fielding new squads, and the obvious lack of game time
together, it took time for both teams to find their cohesion.
In a low scoring affair, both teams went close to blowing the game apart
in both halves, but neither could complete that important final pass.
Fleet managed to level the scores at 11-all inside the final ten minutes,
making for an exciting climax.
With only two minutes remaining on the clock, Fleet scored a terrific
team try, hitting the lead for a 16-11 lead. The try was converted resulting
in a final score of 18-11 to Fleet. This result in the rugby squared the
series at two games each and so the Perry Cup for the 2007 intercommand
was shared by CDRE Peter Jones (CANSC) and CDRE Bruce Kafer (CCSG).
Many thanks were extended to Navy Health and the RANCCF for their continued
support of the intercommand competition.
Thanks were also extended to the supporting Sydney area PT staff and FSU
Sydney personnel for their assistance.
Commanding officers of both ships and establishments were also thanked
for releasing their personnel to participate on the day.
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