The Burrell Cup served up a heated day of mixed doubles tennis at Holsworthy Barracks on February 18, with 13 teams from across the Navy fleet battling for the title.

The winning duo, Able Seaman Patrick Myles and Leading Seaman Alexander Hunter, of HMAS Albatross, were an unlikely combination.

Both arrived without partners and were paired on the day, but it proved effective as they went undefeated through the group stage. 

Their closest challenge came from Lieutenant Commander John Flynn and Lieutenant Commander Stephen Dickfos, who they would eventually meet again in the final.

For Leading Seaman Hunter, it was his first time at the Burrell Cup after making the Carr Cup quarterfinals the week before. 

“It was just one of those scorching hot days where you are melting on the court. The games were fairly short and in doubles you don't do too much running anyway, so it wasn't too bad in the end,” he said.

Growing up playing tennis helped him settle into the Fast4 format, and while he didn’t expect to go all the way, he was pleased to finish with the win.

'You have to consider each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and try and find a way to play to both of your strengths.'

One of the standout performers of the day was Sub-Lieutenant Angel Phillips, who repeated her Carr Cup run by sweeping the group stage with her doubles partner, Lieutenant Jordan Moreno, before bowing out in the quarterfinals. 

Sub-Lieutenant Phillips said she enjoyed the tactical side of playing as a pair and appreciated the challenge of adapting her style.

“You have to consider each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and try and find a way to play to both of your strengths,” she said.

Although they had never played together before, she found Lieutenant Moreno’s style complemented her own, and a shared experience of returning from injury helped build confidence.

Sub-Lieutenant Phillips said the relaxed atmosphere of the Burrell Cup made the day especially enjoyable. 

“Regardless of skill level, everyone was very friendly and encouraging of the other participants. I think this range of skill level shows that anyone can participate in the Burrell Cup,” she said.

Most Valuable Player honours went to Sub-Lieutenant Phillips for the women and Lieutenant Commander Flynn for the men, rounding out a day of competitive but friendly tennis across the fleet.