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Aircraftman
Ted Wilson focusses on giving Air Force some go-forward
as he breaks free from the Army opposition during the 2003
National Interservice Rugby Union Carnival in Sydney. Photo
by Bill Cunneen
Air Force players selected in national side — P22
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By
Michael Weaver
AIR Force Rugby has vowed to have a more physical presence when
the team next confronts Navy and Army following two crushing defeats
at the 2003 National Interservice Carnival in Sydney last month.
The call has now gone out for all personnel interested in rugby
to jump on the bandwagon ahead of the 2004 carnival.
Army went on to claim this year’s Wing Commander John Caldwell
Shield after scoring 22 points in the final 20 minutes to defeat
Navy 25-15.
By conceding more than one point a minute in the last part of
the game, Navy received a taste of what Air Force experienced
in its 97-0 loss to Army on June 11.
Air Force also went down to Navy 45-10 on June 8 after scoring
the first try and leading 10-7 just before half-time.
Air Force Rugby marketing manager Flight Sergeant Daniel Stack
said the limited number of players available for selection made
it difficult to field a competitive side.
“To increase our performance on the field, all players have
to be available, especially those playing grade footy,” said
FSGT Stack.
He also paid tribute to those who did front, saying they will
benefit from the experience of playing against opposition that
was simply leagues ahead.
Twelve new players rose to the occasion for Air Force, but FSGT
Stack said it was the sheer number of players unavailable that
cost the side its competitive edge.
“From what we (Air Force Rugby committee) considered was
the top 40 players, only 11 were available and in our top 15,
only eight were available,” he said.
FSGT Stack also recognised the high operational tempo of present,
but said the same applied to Navy and Army personnel, though operations
seemed to affect Air Force more.
“We’d definitely like to see more aircrew get involved,”
said FSGT Stack.
“We’ve also talked to CAF who’s proposed a three-week
camp next year in the lead-up to the interservice carnival.
“We’re looking to build the side up over the next two
years, with the possibility of an Air Force Rugby tour to New
Zealand in 2005.”
FSGT Stack also wished to thank commanding officers who released
players, but said the committee would look at creating interest
from all areas of Australia, as this year’s side featured
players mostly from Tindal and the east coast.
“We want interested players to get in touch with their base
contacts, especially at the major bases like Richmond, Williamtown,
Edinburgh and Amberley,” FSGT Stack said.
Air Force has never won the WGCDR Caldwell Shield since its inception
in 1980.
GET
PHYSICAL
