By
SGT Megan Webber
TWO
ADF teams showed skill and prowess when they finished in the top
five at the recent Australian International Men’s and Mixed Netball
Championships at the Oakleigh recreation Centre in Melbourne.
The Championships are a leading international netball competition
and are regarded as the highest level of netball for men’s and
mixed competition within Australia. The ADF Men’s and Mixed Netball
teams competed against national teams from Fiji and New Zealand,
as well as a number of Australian states.
The men’s team, coached by Corporal Dean Burke and captained by
Sergeant Steve Araci, played well throughout the week to finish
fifth overall. The highlight of the week was the successive victories
over Fiji, 57-55 in round one and 59-47 in round two.
The national title went to Victoria Country after it downed New
Zealand 70-57. Midshipman David Jarrett was selected to represent
Australia in the Under 23s team, which will travel to Fiji in
August to play in the Post Fiji International Cup.
The ADF Mixed team, coached by Corporal Brenda Rielly and captained
by Corporal Dean Burke, secured a berth in the semi-finals against
Victoria after finishing fourth overall. After a hard fought,
competitive match the victory and preliminary finals spot went
to Victoria.
The national title again went to Victoria Country, which defeated
Victoria 64-50. The championships are conducted annually. Next
year’s competition may be further enriched by the inclusion of
teams from South Africa and Canada. The ADF teams will also be
back to display their sporting excellence to the netball public.
