Slow starting men’s team almost took Army’s title

By Andrew Stackpool

THE Hawks flew high but victory eluded them at the recent 2005 ADF Australian inter-Service Championships.

They had defeated Navy in 2004 to go on to the finals but the sailors turned last year’s defeat around with a 10.11.(71) win against the Air Force Hawks 5.4.(34) on April 15.

Then in the match against Army on April 17 the Hawks played hard and fast, putting up some very quick points. In the final quarter Air Force was within just seven points of taking Army’s 18-year crown with a stunning 9-9-63 against Army’s 10-10-70. The Army players held on until the siren and took their place in the final, in which they were defeated by Navy.

Team captain Leading Aircraftman Michael Kemp said he was “over the moon” with the side’s performance against Army.

“The guys put in 100 percent effort and the difference between the two games was outstanding. The competition and professionalism is improving every year and if we can get Air Force to support the game and get middle management to let people go we can win.”

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