ONE
point squashed Air Force’s three-year reign of the interservice
squash championships at this months’ event. It was the first
time the ADF Canberra/Wagga competition has been held since 2001.
Air Force narrowly lost the crown to Army, but put in a strong
effort. The team won five matches and only dropped one game for
the round against Navy in the lead up to the finals.
Army and Navy then locked horns and khaki clout was too much for
the sea-farers. Navy was only able to win one game, setting the
scene for a competitive final between the Army and Air Force.
The championships came down to the last game in the finals. Army
had taken first honours 2-0, but Flight Sergeant Brett Parker
put the ball firmly back in court with a 2-1 win.
One win each and the inter-service shield was now hanging in the
balance. Leading Aircraftman Chris Cook and Signalman Phil Bush
squared off. Two games played and they were locked in, one each.
In the third match neither man gave an inch, but at last SIG Bush
got a break and slipped home by one point. Air Force gave up the
crown 3-2. Commander Sue Smith, CO HMAS Harman, made special mention
of Squadron Leader Des Chin for winning his match in straight
games.
The teams are now keen to settle the score and the high standard
of the play after three years’ absence augurs well for the competition
next year.
