Army's Blackhawks men's netball team retained bragging rights at the HART Senior State Titles, getting one over the ADF open men's team in the final match of the two-day tournament held in Sydney from June 7-9.
The Blackhawks beat the ADF by seven points to finish ninth among 12 teams at the main NSW netball competition, which draws clubs from all over the state, including the two Defence representative sides.
The Blackhawks played nine games over the three-day tournament.
Nail-biting losses to Sutherland Shire and Kurri Kurri and a draw against Blue Mountains didn't reflect the true nature of the competition, according to Blackhawks' captain Corporal Chris Lawry.
"A couple of games we lost by a goal, they could've gone either way," Corporal Lawry said.
"I don't think the results reflected how close the games were."
The team had a two-day training camp before the state titles, with players travelling to Sydney from all over the country to take part.
The outdoor competition was held in blustery winter conditions, making life difficult for sharpshooters like Lance Corporal Jarryd Evans.
He was the Blackhawks' top point scorer and the players'-player award winner.
The reservist, who is a schoolteacher when not in uniform, said making new mates was a greater reward than any individual honour.
"I hadn't played netball with any of the guys before but have made some great friends," Lance Corporal Evans said.
"I can't wait to play at the ADF combined carnival in November so I can see them all again, albeit on different state teams."
