Smashing work

By Private John Wellfare

NSW was the state to beat in last month’s ADF National Volleyball tournament, with dominant teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

The NSW men’s team played a starring role in the recent ADF Volleyball National Tournament, but went down in the final against a high-flying UK team, while the NSW women starred throughout, suffering only one defeat and taking the trophy in the final against traditional champs Queensland.

In the men’s competition NSW beat ACT in the semis, winning through to the finals where they met the UK visitors from the RAF.

A close game, NSW refused to be left behind and the scores remained close throughout, but RAF refused to give up their small lead, taking the game in straight but tight sets.

RAF team captain Sergeant Dave Watson said his team had enjoyed a very successful tournament, but the finals against NSW had proven challenging.

“We had beaten them [earlier in the tournament], but it was still a bit nerve-racking to be honest,” he said. “It was the big final in front of a big crowd – a home crowd – us being the away guys and everything, so we were pleased to get the victory in the end.”

The women’s final meanwhile was a battle between NSW and defending champions Queensland.

NSW gained a close lead from the start and worked hard to maintain it.

Despite some consistent point scoring, Queensland couldn’t close NSW’s lead and the southerners pounced to take the game in three staight sets, taking the third in a tight match 24-20. Queensland, though fatigued, had extended play longer than expected and fought till the end.

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