Page 30 - QARANC Vol 15 No 2 2017

28 QARANC THE GAZETTE
AMS Netball Inter-Unit Championships
On Wednesday 24 May 2017, the Army Medical Services (AMS) held its Annual Inter-Unit Netball championships at Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre.
Ten teams from both regular and reservist AMS units entered the competition, travelling from all over the UK to take part. Teams included DMG North 1, DMG North 2, DMG South East, DMG South, 1 AMR, 4 AMR, 1 MWD, RCDM, DMS Whittington and Environmental Health/Reservists. All standards of players were welcome to this event, so the teams were made up of individuals with a variety of experience. This meant that the matches were challenging, but also fun, and provided a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop netball skills.
Once team captains had registered their team with the co- ordinators, players had the opportunity to warm up and get into kit. Games were organised over 2 courts, playing 14 minute matches. Once all games had been played, the 4 winning teams played the semifinals. There was a brilliant atmosphere, but nerves were building! The 2 winning teams, DMG SE and 1 AMR then played head-to-head in the final match, with DMG SE winning 10-8. This was a very proud moment for the team, after a very exciting and challenging game!
In addition to the players themselves, AMS were very fortunate to have excellent civilian and military umpires volunteer their time to help with the competition. The event co-ordinators (Maj Winship, Capt Macmahon, Cpl Armstrong,
Claire Murton and Jan Burke) worked hard to organise the competition, which was evident in the overall smooth running of the day.
Along with AMS Netball chairperson Maj Winship, Col Boreham and W01 Duffy attended, with Col Boreham announcing the winning teams. First place was awarded to DMG SE, second place 1 AMR, and third place 1 MWD. Individual awards were also given; best sportsmanship was awarded to Pte Fincham (1MWD) and player of the tournament awarded to Cpl Lloyd (DMG SE).
The championships were very much enjoyed by all; a great day to play netball and meet other players. It was a brilliant opportunity to advertise AMS netball, which has been expanding and improving significantly over the past few years, and has hopefully sparked interest in more AMS members to get involved and continue playing netball!
If you would like to get involved, no matter how rusty you think you are, please contact me; Cpl Armstrong: Rachael. armstrong102@mod.uk. We also have Squad/Tour what’s app groups, Facebook page and MOSS page which keeps everyone well connected. Every year there is an opportunity to be part of the team for the netball tour which this year is Barbados, which you can imagine is a fantastic opportunity.
Cpl Lloyd QARANC
AMS Netball Bournemouth 7s
The AMS Netball team pitched up their tents and recently took part in a fun but challenging 3 days at Bournemouth 7s Festival.
Bournemouth 7s is the world’s largest sporting and music festival and the AMS Netball team had the opportunity to compete in the social league, playing 11 challenging but enjoyable games of netball. The jam-packed weekend also gave the team the opportunity to watch and support various other sports and teams such as the Army 7s rugby, hockey and dodge ball.
The AMS Netball team has a wide skill mix of players, from highly experienced to players who have only recently joined the team. Day 1 of the festival allowed the team to pitch the tents, getting to know new teammates and enjoying an evening of dancing and great music, before getting our competitive heads on and coming together to compete on the court. Day 2 consisted of 6 great games of netball. The social league which we entered had some fantastic teams with the AMS coming up against England U21s players. Even though the team did not win all the
games, we were not disheartened as for some it was the first time stepping onto the court. After a great day it was time for the AMS ladies to put on their best ‘Brownie themed’ fancy dress costume and enjoy another evening of music and sporting celebrations.
Our aim on Day 3 was for the team to have as much fun as possible in the final 5 games. This allowed newcomers to try out different positions including me, the shortest member of the team giving goalkeeper a trial. It can be difficult for sporting teams like AMS, which meet rarely, to encourage new people to try out the sport and join the team. Bournemouth 7s was a great opportunity for the AMS squad to play netball against robust and credible oppositions, developing players and both improving individual skills and enabling the AMS to bond as a team. The weekend provided a relaxed atmosphere for new and experienced players to have fun, meet new people and enjoy the game in a hope to participate in future events.
Pte Pennestri QARANC
DMG (North) Equestrian Update
Cpl Daisley attended the UK Armed Forces Equestrian Championships (UKAFEC) from 21-23 April 17, and was selected to represent the Army team which was successful in the first leg of the Inter-Services Cup.
Individually, Cpl Daisley was 4th out of 21 competitors and qualified for the GB dressage Championships at
Prelim & Novice levels.
She will also represent the AMS team at the Services
Show Jumping Final at the Royal Windsor Horse Show next month. I’ll forward further info once gathered. Cpl Daisley has also been awarded Army Half Colours for Equitation, to be presented at the AMS Athletics Championships.