Page 13 - RADC Bulletin 2022

and one of them was our team bonding and how much of a good time we had even though our team was full of novices. It was an excellent experience to meet others
and get away from our day jobs, I would recommend people try and get on sporting activities, to help release stress, elevate morale and to bond with others.
LCpl H Hughes
This was my first time playing netball within the British Army and whilst I haven’t played Netball since I was in school, I was still encouraged by other AMS members and my work colleagues to start and get my foot through the Netball door as it’s a sport that has always taken my interest.
The day was planned out very well and our team arrived early in the morning with enough time for everyone to get to know one another and to get a feel for the ball. Our first game started at 09:15. As much as I was nervous about playing a sport I had not played for in years I was also exited and encouraged to just have fun by my other team members.
Throughout the two days, I could feel myself and my team-mates getting stronger at passing the ball and faster on our feet
and we even starting to score some points throughout the day. Over the course of the two days, we played nine games in total and although we did not manage to win a game, I feel like it was an amazing opportunity to get to know fellow AMS members and to fall back in love with the sport. This is something I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to either pursue a new sport or like me, get back into the world of Netballing.
LCpl C Finn-Jones
I was recently lucky enough to be able to represent the RADC as part of DPHC (mixed) netball team.
I was Initially dubious not really having played before and we had not even got together as a team to practice. Also the prospect of being put in any position including goal defence at 4 foot 10 was somewhat daunting.
We arrived at Worthy Down around 18:00 and settled in for the evening. The next morning started with a healthy full- English and we couldn’t help but notice other potential Netball players who looked very intimidating and professional in their matching track suits.
We had the privilege of being the first team to play and as I waited and watched the other players it became very apparent that we had no chance of winning. When SSgt Purkiss arrived and presented us with Netball dresses, I was even more unimpressed as they were less than flattering but made us look the part.
I’m sure it did not go unnoticed how inexperienced we were, but nevertheless I didn’t let that deter me from giving 100%.
Over the rest of the games, it became apparent how much we had improved as the referee had stopped shouting as much for being offside, fouling and generally not having a clue. We improved each time and even managed to get a few balls in the net which spurred us on even more. During our time off court, we practiced outside working on our throws, positioning and communication. We played a few different positions, which allowed us to determine everyone’s best strengths and bring us together more as a team.
Although we came last, I enjoyed all aspects of the event, and it was nice to catch up with old colleagues who I haven’t seen in a while and meet members of the RADC.
LCpl A Hynes
It was great to be involved as part of the DPHC (mixed) netball team. Even though our team was strung together and had no experience, we performed very well and even managed to score a few points. The team morale was high throughout and it was great to see some of our peers.
Sgt S Sugden
It all started with a Skype call in the form of a plea from SSgt Purkiss to make up numbers in order to enter a RADC representative team into the Army Medical Services Inter- Unit Netball Championships.
After some umming and erring I decided, “go on, why not?”. The Football season was almost over so why not turn my hand to a different sport, saying to myself “how hard can Netball possibly be?”. So, there we have it a Footballer agreeing to play Netball, all in Esprit de Corps of course.
SSgt Purkiss immediately followed up the request and sent me the Netball Rules & Regulations. The rules to me were somewhat
confusing / technical, Afterall, I am used to kicking a ball not catching it and throwing it into a tiny hoop.
On arrival at Worthy Down Camp the RADC makeshift team strolled into the Gymnasium which was rammed with several teams from across the AMS. SSgt Purkiss and Sgt Phillips gathered the team, took us outside to find a hidden area to train/teach us the basics.
The two days of games commenced. A pool of qualified umpires grades A to C (pretty much professionals) umpired the competition. If nothing else, I am sure we provided much entertainment throughout with our crazy tactics and startled gazes every time the whistle blew, followed by our response “What’s that then Umpire?”, “Where do I stand?”, “Eh, how’s that even contact?”.
Although we didn’t come within the top third, we put in 100% and grew throughout the tournament. I must say even though it wasn’t Football, it was enjoyable once we got the gist of the game / rules etc.! More so this tournament gave Corps members the opportunity to come together and represent the RADC. All in all, what a fantastic catch up and a very entertaining few days.
SSgt G Morton
Since COVID and being really busy in the Dental Centre, this is the first time I’ve got away to do a sporting activity. All I can say is I’m so glad I did! I haven’t played netball since school. However, it soon came back, getting to meet new and old people in the Corps was a breath of fresh air. Even though we didn’t win any games, the teamwork we built over the two days was incredible. I’m looking forward to getting the chance to go again.
(Back Row L-R) Sgt G Phillips, LCpl H Hughes, LCpl A Hynes, Sgt S Sugden, SSgt G Morton (Front Row L-R) LCpl Finn-Jones, CPL M Naulls, SSgt K Purkiss
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