ARMY RETAIN INTERSERVICES TROPHIES FOR 2009     (click for photos)

Over 25-26 April the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force fought for the honour of being the Inter-Services Basketball Champions. The event was hosted at RAF Cranwell and involved a round robin competition which was fought by 3 teams from each Service: Ladies, Under 23 Men and Senior Men.

It was a spectacular weekend of basketball which brought out the best in all 3 Services as all 3 competitions generated very competitive teams with close matches that were generally only resolved in the final minutes. The Army beat the Navy/Marine Teams in all 3 matches on Saturday morning which meant the Navy then had to play the RAF that same afternoon. Despite fighting hard, tired legs meant they were at a disadvantage and each team was beaten once again.

RAF v NAVY

Under 23: WON 45 – 31

Ladies: WON 80 - 33

Seniors: WON 61 - 59

Sunday therefore involved the final of each competition, with the winner of each match taking the championship. Again, close matches kept the supporters enthralled as the basketball being played was to an exceptionally high standard. The Army eventually won over to retain their 3 trophies with the following results:

RAF v Army

Under 23: LOST 49 – 60

Ladies: LOST 71 – 79

Senior: LOST 63 – 72

Air Commodore Chris Bushell presented the trophies and medals then the players selected for the Combined Services Teams were announced at the end of the tournament. These teams (Ladies and Mens) will go on to represent the UK Military at tournaments later in the year at home and in Europe.

P J WYATT

Sqn Ldr

Secretary RAFBBA