By
LT Stuart Cayzer and SBLT Jane Pittman
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Queensland
player Corporal Angela Smylie, from RAAF Base Amberley,
takes a tumble over ACT goalie Lieutenant Donna Dougles
from the Navy.
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Photo
by CPL Belinda Mepham
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Leading
Aircraftman Nelson Parlet has a go at the ball.
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THE
ACT women’s interservice hockey team had a superb 4-2 win against
Queensland in the 2004 ADF Hockey Championships at the Albury
Hockey Centre in early June, but the ACT could not make it a double
and went down to NSW 4-1 in the men’s final.
Spectators of this year’s win described the event as some of the
finest hockey played by ADF women for many years, displaying
the work put in by players at club level in the leadup to the
championships.
The women’s grand final was going to be a tough one – the ACT
had emerged undefeated from the minor rounds, while Queensland
lost only one game – and it was the ACT team which emerged initial
leaders after Midshipman Christie Underwood, from ADFA, scored
a goal from a tight attack.
Queensland came back hard, scoring two fast goals to go one up.
No quarter was given for the rest of the half. Both sides worked
the ball up and down the paddock, with teamwork and strong play
the main focus for the ACT girls.
In the second half, the ACT evened the score with an early goal
and then took the lead with the conversion of two penalty strokes.
With seven minutes remaining, Queensland made one last determined
effort to even the score through several penalty corners but was
unsuccessful due to scrambling defence from Corporal Kym Irvine
combining with Midshipman Donna Douglass in the goals.
Team captain Major Brenda Sharp capped off ACT’s win with a goal
from a short corner set play. Meanwhile, a 10-year drought for
NSW men’s finally broke when the strong and invigorated team
defeated the ACT 4-1. NSW had been in most grand finals over
that period, but the ultimate victory eluded them.
NSW Leading Aircraftman Nelson Parlett scored early and then followed
with a penalty conversion shortly afterwards. It was then Captain
Shane Peachey’s turn as he drove the ball through. ACT wrested
one goal back late in the half to keep in the hunt but NSW were
4-1 at the end of the half.
At the start of the second half, a revitalised ACT came out hard
and fast. They set up several short corners and forced the NSW
defence to scramble to keep them from scoring.
Both sides settled into a hard-fought slugfest in which NSW failed
to capitalise on several opportunities to score and had several
players sent off.
More than 150 players, officials and spectators from as far afield as Townsville, Perth and Darwin watched the championships.
However, Western Australia was not able to make the trip.
Awards
for long service
FLIGHT
Lieutenant Gordon Brown was inducted as a life member at the ADF
Hockey Championship presentation dinner for his dedication to
ADF hockey.
FLTLT Brown’s involvement began in 1985 when he competed at inter-service
level and then started playing at Combined Services in 1991.
He played for Queensland, ACT and SANT. He represented the ADF
in the national team from 1991-1998, Australia with the Australian
Country Team in 1994-1996 and was award Australian Country Championship
player of the championships in 1998.
He coached the ADF national men’s team in 1997 and 2001 and was
recognised for his contribution to ADF hockey in 2000 when he
was added to the roll of honour.
He has been the State representative for Queensland and Northern
Territory and is currently the representative for Western Australia.
He was unable to attend the Championships but ADF Hockey looks
forward to his returning next year to accept the recognition.
Also recognised at the awards presentation were Air Force Corporals
John Godward and Tim Colley, who won the men’s award.
Flight Sergeant Robert Webb won the trophy for umpiring excellence.
FSGT Webb has participated in ADF hockey as an umpire, player
and administrator for over 20 years.
Selections
for Australian Country Championships
SIX
Air Force men and two women have been selected to represent the
ADF at the Australian Country Championships in Adelaide in late
July.
The men’s team includes Flying Officer Alan Brown, Corporal Ryan
Bowden, Corporal John Godward, Flying Officer Peter Nugent, Squadron
Leader Leon Phillips and Flight Lieutenant Owen Reinhardt.
The women’s team includes Corporal Di Casey and Corporal Tanya
Matthey. Flight Lieutenant Gordon Brown and Flying Officer Llani
Kennealy have been named as reserves. Flight Lieutenant Linda
Steward is the women’s tour manager.
