NSW
netballers retain crown
By
Flying Officer Georgina Lowe
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Goal
shooter CPL Lauren Radcliffe, right, makes an attempt at
goal during the final against Army in the NSW Inter-Service
Netball championships, held at Randwick Barracks. Goal attack
LACW Katie Redding prepares to rebound if the attempt is
unsuccessful.
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Photo
provided by
FLGOFF Georgina Lowe
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Unit
sport needed
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IF
THERE’S one thing Air Force News needs from its readers
it’s sport, lots more sport. If your unit or base is
playing competitive sport, then let us know. Ring (02) 6265
1289.
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AIR
Force has retained the NSW inter-Service netball crown for the
fifth year in a row. In a desperate grand final last quarter shootout,
Air Force defeated Army 44-37.
The team overcame an earlier defeat by Army with two wins against
Navy to defend their title.
The NSW inter-Service netball competition was held from August
3-5 at Randwick Army Barracks. Air Force players travelled from
RAAF Bases Williamtown, Richmond and Glenbrook to compete in the
intense three-day competition.
August 3 was spent in lengthy practice sessions, which included
various drills and practice matches at RAAF Base Richmond. The
real competition started the next morning
Air Force had a good start in the morning, trouncing the Navy
in a convincing win.
All augured well for a clean sweep, however, the team was disappointed
in the afternoon when Army beat them and went straight through
to the finals, having beaten Navy as well.
The loss to Army meant Air Force would replay Navy in the semi-finals
on the morning of August 5 to determine the challenger to Army.
Both teams gave no quarter as they strived to reach the finals.
But a strong Air Force defence team comprising Flying Officer
Jaimee Maika and Leading Aircraftwoman Jaclyn McCarter prevented
Navy’s shooters from scoring goals throughout the match.
With spirits high despite the previous day’s loss, Air Force
showed determination and pulled together as they annihilated Navy
in a strong win.
Determined to avoid a repetition of the defeat the afternoon before,
Air Force were pumped as they faced off Army in the first quarter
of the grand final.
The plan worked.
Centre court players Corporal Nerissa Ruming, Leading Aircraftwoman
Melinda Law and Leading Aircraftwoman Tahnia Futcher worked together
to dominate centre court and quickly move the ball down to the
shooting end.
By the end of the first quarter, Air Force was two goals in front.
Despite the advantage, Army was not out and in the second quarter
the soldiers showed they had plenty of tenacity and commitment
when they clawed their way back to tie the game at half time.
Army’s march continued in the third quarter as the team took
the lead, leaving the final quarter as the decider.
Two determined teams faced off for the quarter but Air Force was
poised for victory with another winning combination.
Throughout the game, all the women had demonstrated solid play.
Now it was the turn of Corporal Lauren Radcliffe and Leading Aircraftwoman
Katie Redding to show what they had.
Their extremely accurate shooting was the decisive factor in Air
Force’s powerful comeback to defeat Army 44-37.
Selectors watched closely throughout the inter-Service competition
for players for the women’s, men’s and mixed teams for
the combined NSW netball teams.
All the Air Force team members were selected in either the women’s
or mixed team, and are already in training for the combined competition
to be held in Sydney in October.
Air
Force Invincibles
FLGOFF
Jaimee Maika
RAAF Base Williamtown
FLGOFF
Georgina Lowe
RAAF Base Williamtown
CPL
Nerissa Ruming
RAAF Base Williamtown
CPL
Lauren Radcliffe
RAAF Base Williamtown
LACW
Jaclyn McCarter
RAAF Base Richmond
LACW
Katie Redding
RAAF Base Glenbrook
LACW
Tahnia Futcher
RAAF Base Williamtown
LACW
Melinda Law
RAAF Base Williamtown
