Air Force bowled over at nationals

Volume 48, No. 23, December 14, 2006

By LEUT Matt Ryan

SPIN: FLTLT Leo Lochran takes a swing at the ball in a match against Army. Photo by SGT Mitch Dockett

AFTER getting away to a slow start, Air Force provided the stiffest competition for Navy, which successfully defended its national crown at the Australian Services Cricket Association National Carnival in Brisbane from November 20-22.

As reigning Services titleholder, Navy rested while Army played Air Force for the remaining spot in the final.

Army bowled Air Force out for 53 in 26 overs, and passed the total with the loss of only one wicket (1/55), leaving Navy to play a dead rubber against Air Force.

At the end of Navy’s 50 overs, they were 5 for 275, with LS Joe Rule remaining top-scorer on an excellent 76 not out.

WO Gary Fuss ensured a horror start for Air Force by having the opening batsman caught at first slip with the first ball of the Air Force innings. Air Force lost a second early wicket before compiling partnerships of 92 and 70 for the third and fourth wickets respectively to keep them within range.

Unable to maintain the required run rate, Air Force was dismissed for 256 in the 49th over after a spirited chase.

In the decider against Army, Navy proved far too strong in compiling 244 for the loss of seven wickets, while Army was all out for 38.

Senior ADF cricketers in attendance could not remember a final being so one-sided or a side being bowled out for such a low score in the history of Services cricket.

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