Net gain for NSW

Volume 48, No. 22, November 30, 2006

IN CONTROL: SA player LACW Rachael Gorton prepares to make her move as the ACT’s wing and goal attacks try to block the pass during a championship game. Photo by WO2 Eric Bateman

By WO2 Eric Bateman

THE lion’s share of the trophies went to NSW at the ADF National Netball Championships in Perth from October 22 to 28, but not before a hard battle with the ACT women’s team.

NSW won a tough women’s final 23-16 by taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout against the ACT. They took the mixed 25-24 against a gallant VIC team in an intense, close and exciting game that see-sawed throughout and was a credit to both.

SA dominated the men’s final 38-27 against Combined South-East QLD/NT.

The game was highlighted by fast, crisp passing from both sides, with Combined SE QLD/NT showing that size upfront isn’t everything.

The ACT could feel a little unlucky after being the most impressive women’s team in a strong and close series of qualifying rounds, losing only one game to SA.

It was a week-long flurry of action at the netball courts in Fremantle as the best combined inter-Service teams from the ACT, NSW, Combined SE QLD/NT, SA, VIC and WA competed.

Goal defence LACW Rachael Gorton from RAAF Base Edinburgh was the most valuable player in the women’s competition, with wing attack CPL Christopher Sinden from RAAF Base Richmond the men’s.

Organiser and WA player, CAPT Kate Rippon, said the carnival was a terrific success for ADF sport promotion, made easy by a great attitude from all participants.

“It is wonderful to have combined teams from all three Services from all over the country gather together in the West,” she said.

“Congratulations to the winners and all the players who competed for making each game a terrific tussle and thanks to all the people who helped bring it together.”

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