Army claimed the General Sir Peter Cosgrove Shield for Champion Service at the Australian Defence Force Cricket Carnival, held in Richmond from October 31 to November 7.

Army women won every match to clinch both the one-day and Twenty20 (T20) women's championships for the third consecutive year, while Navy men completed a clean sweep to secure both the one-day and T20 men's titles.

The competition marked Navy men’s third consecutive one-day title and fifth-straight T20 crown, extending an unbeaten T20 streak to 15 matches.

In the one-day series, Navy opened with a dominant win over Air Force, posting 7-276 before bowling the aviators out for 86. 

They sealed the championship with another strong showing against Army, hitting 8-227 and dismissing their opponents for 131.

In the T20 final, Navy restricted Air Force to 8-111 before a tight run chase, reaching the target with only an over to spare. 

First-time captain Leading Seaman William Schiwy said the carnival was a great showcase for emerging talent.

“It was a really good opportunity to debut some new players and give them the opportunity in a new look, young side,” Leading Seaman Schiwy said.

“We knew if we went out and played our best cricket, the results would look after themselves. We relied on a few moments of brilliance from some individuals but overall we just had a really strong squad.”

Able Seaman Ben Schofield was awarded the Jason Watts Medal for men’s player of the tournament after scoring 232 runs, including three half-centuries, as well as the batter and one-day player of the tournament.

Leading Seaman Schiwy claimed men’s fielder of the tournament with six catches, including a one-handed outfield screamer off debutant Seaman Jovan Croese’s bowling.

“That was the last wicket to secure the one-day trophy and Jovan’s debut in front of his parents, so I think that made it pretty special,” Leading Seaman Schiwy said.

In the women’s one-day series, Air Force stunned Navy with a commanding first innings total of 4-306, led by captain Corporal Tayla Seymour’s 88 runs and supported by three other batters scoring over 40. 

Navy were bowled out for 88, setting up a play-off against Army.

'We’re growing stronger, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve next year.'

Army posted 140 runs in the decider and, despite Air Force’s strong start, bowled the aviators out for 112 to claim the championship by 28 runs.

 “We only put 140 on the board for a one-day game, so we didn’t know if it was going to be enough,” Army captain Warrant Officer Class 2 Melissa Campbell said.

“It was a massive team effort. We were extremely tight in our bowling and fielding and managed to defend the total.”

In the T20 final, Air Force again faced Army after a strong round-robin showing. 

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the aviators were restricted to 61 runs before Army chased down the target in just eight overs.

Air Force teams finished runners-up in three competitions, with Corporal Seymour leading the way. 

Corporal Seymour scored 180 runs, took five wickets and a catch to earn the Michelle Goszko Medal for women’s player of the tournament.

“We had a couple of ladies that have never played cricket before, but gave it a go and told us they’ll keep coming back and won’t miss another carnival,” she said.

“We’re growing stronger, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve next year.”

It was an emotional moment for Corporal Seymour, who was coached by the former Australian player during her teenage years as a NSW state cricketer

“I've known her for a very long time and she's not just a coach, she's a really good mate of mine. To be honoured with wearing a medal named after her, I don't think there's a bigger privilege,” she said.

Corporal Seymour also received women’s one-day player of the tournament, while Sergeant Rebecca Carson was named women’s bowler of the tournament with 10 wickets. 

Army's Warrant Officer Class 2 Shelly-Louise Chattin was awarded women’s fielder of the tournament with four catches, and Lieutenant Neve Lynch was awarded women’s T20 player of the tournament with 100 runs from 63 balls, plus a catch.

Able Seaman Ben Schofield was awarded the Jason Watts Medal for men’s player of the tournament after scoring 232 runs, including three half-centuries.

Army Corporal Brody Black was awarded men’s bowler and T20 player of the tournament.

Air Force Corporal Frances Whittaker was selected as the ADF representative for the Governor-General’s XI.

Leading Seaman Schiwy encouraged sailors to give cricket a try.

“It’d be great to see new faces every year," he said. "Both our squads get along great, so new players in the men’s and women’s team will ensure our success for years to come.”