The Army women’s and Navy men’s cricket teams hit it out of the park to claim victory in all formats at this year’s ADF Cricket ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Interservice Carnival.
Both sides won by four wickets in their T20 grand finals, with the Army women narrowly clinching victory at 6 for 123 over Air Force’s 8 for 122, while the Navy men triumphed with 6 for 127 against the Army’s 123.
The Navy men retained the Angus Houston Cup and the Army women held onto the Flying Officer Reginald Sydney Ellis Cup.
The carnival took place in early November at Richmond, Sydney, featuring multiple T20 matches for each team.
Captain Krystelle Jones, from the Army women’s leadership group, said the team had to come together for the win.
“It takes all 15 people as a collective for a squad, because one day you might bat really well and the next, that batter might not,” she said.
Her role involved supporting the team’s captain by assisting with field placements and rotations – helping them stay undefeated throughout the tournament.
“I think the tournament is getting stronger and stronger,” Captain Jones said.
“The fact that we went to the last over just shows how strong both teams were.”
A pivotal moment in the grand final, she said, was her throw that ran out the opposing captain in the second over, energising her side and setting their tone for victory.
“It put smiles on our faces and really pumped us up,” Captain Jones said.
“Cricket is a game of moments; one ball can just turn anything.”
The captain of the Navy men’s team, Petty Officer Corey Evans, said he felt like they “burgled” the game, considering how close it was.
“We started well, but between the 6th and 14th overs, we kind of let it slip a little bit and put ourselves on the back foot for the end of the game,” Petty Officer Evans said.
He said the team’s fielding, marked by quick and decisive actions, was vital to securing their victory.
“On the field, we did really well as a team, taking our chances when needed and showing strong game awareness,” Petty Officer Evans said.
He was the last batsman at the crease, scoring the winning run.
“It was one of the most exhilarating games of cricket I’ve played, both inside and outside Defence, coming right down to the last ball,” he said.
“Who would have thought 120 would have been a competitive total on a deck like that. Cricket’s a funny game, and we walked away with the win.”
MVP for the Air Force women’s team, Leading Aircraftwoman Morgan Gandolfo, said that despite the loss, her team performed well.
“It was a really close game and I think everyone gave their best effort right to the end,” she said.
“We couldn’t have done it without each other’s support; the morale was high and the team spirit was incredible.”
The fast bowler aimed to bowl outside the off-stump to challenge the batter – making them either move their feet or reach for the ball to increase the chances of them mistiming a shot, which could lead to a catch.
Most of her wickets came from catches and she occasionally used deliveries from the back of her hand as a surprise tactic.
“I tried to keep them guessing – it was all about creating those small mistakes that could have turned the game in our favour,” Leading Aircraftwoman Gandolfo said.
“This was one of the closest games we’ve had, and I believe we’re getting stronger every year.”
