RAF LADIES CLINCH VICTORY AT INTER-SERVICES 2011

After a week long training camp at RAF Digby, the RAF Ladies travelled to Prince William of Gloucester Barracks Grantham, for the annual Inter Services competition, this year hosted by the Army on 9-10 May 2011.

The Ladies fielded a 14-strong squad for the tournament, with mixed experience levels but shared passion for the game. For many, it was their first outing at the Inter-Services.

Saturday morning saw the RAF claim a comfortable victory over the Navy. Many of the newer players made the most of court time available and held their own against an experienced side.
The stalwart players put on a confident display, with Flt Lt Ange Westbrook claiming top scorer for the fixture. This win gave the girls a lift going into the 2^nd day of competition.

In the final, the RAF started well defensively and offensively, with Cpl Sam Williams and Cpl Jess Pippard opening the scoring with 3-pointers and Flt Lt’s Nic Bolton and Ange Westbrook playing a tight game inside. This was the theme throughout the first 2 periods, leaving the half time score at 26-15.

The Army, in the second half came out with fighting spirit. The RAF started to look less convincing in defence and the opposition used this to their advantage. The RAF’s offensive options began to dry up as the Army began to show their strength in depth and turning over a number of offensive rebounds. By the end of the 3^rd period the score line was 37-34.

The RAF in the 4^th period had to dig deep to maintain the slim lead. The Army continued to play a solid game defensively limiting the RAFs options inside, but as the last minute of the game approached the RAF stepped up a gear and Cpl Williams claimed a crucial 4 points taking the final score to 47-44. Cpl Williams was named the Ladies MVP.

This is the first time since 2004 that the RAF Ladies have lifted the Inter-Services trophy. A prize richly deserved. The girls, both new and seasoned players have put in a lot of hard work and shown real commitment and enthusiasm throughout the season.

Inter-Services Squad

Cpl Sam Williams
Flt Lt Nic Bolton
Flt Lt Ange Westbrook
Cpl Jess Pippard
Cpl Emma Fare
Cpl Steph Wright
Cpl Julia Rose
Flt Lt Bonnie Posselt
Flt Lt Ann-Marie Noble
Fg Off Collette Knill
Fg Off Sophie Atkinson
SAC Sophie Cotton
SAC Megan Anderson
SAC Megan Stead

Coach Cpl Mark Reynolds
Assistant Coach FS Pete Clowes
Manager Fg Off Claire Birney