Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 3 2009/The Back Page
Clubber's Corner
This sport update takes us way back the Ship's Maintenance Period in Dubai, where touch footy, netball and cricket were played against local teams. Then out to sea for the battle of the toughest with HMAS Toowoomba's Ironman / Woman Challenge, followed by the very successful 4 hour Marathon on the flight deck to raise money for Charity. In between all of our major events Toowoomba's troops have maintained their fitness rage.
Netball
As the sun set over Dubai city on Wednesday 26 August 2009, things were heating up on the Rugby Sevens Court as the Fearless Netballers made their debut. Whilst initially intimidated by the perceived skill and talent of the local league team, it wasn't long before the Fearless nine settled in and showed some true skill and determination. The first game was a draw however, the second was time for Toowoomba to shine and they were victorious over the local team 23-11. It must be noted that without Sommey's (LS Sommerville) and Nikki's (LSPT Gunthorpe) teamwork in goals and Meggan (ABSTD Thwaites) and Diver's (LSCD Almond) dedication in the centre court, the game would not have been such a success, nor near as entertaining. The Fearless Netballers departed on a high with their sights set on hopefully the opportunity more wins in other ports.
Touch Football
Competitors played in style at the all-new Sevens Rugby Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday 26 August. This friendly yet competitive game of touch football proved HMAS Toowoomba to be a younger, fitter and faster team. But I guess that goes without saying when you're playing the Golden Oldies Rugby Team. The Golden Boys did put up a good fight. However, when you have the likes of SBLT Ken Brown displaying his superior skills in the game, scoring 8 tries, we were bound to come out on top. CPO Simon Butterworth also used his extraordinary leg speed and agility to run in two tries. A great all round effort was displayed by each player on the night to finish the game off 10 tries to 4. Go 1-Fitty-6!
Cricket
HMAS Toowoomba played a 20/20 Cricket match against a local team from Seven Seas in Dubai on the 30th Sep 2009. Toowoomba fielded first and did a reasonable job considering none of us had played for months and we restricted Seven Seas to 7 for 190 from their allotted overs, with POSN Steven Greaves taking two wickets and eventually helping the side to a team hat trick, with a few other bowlers taking one wicket each. Toowoomba then went after the huge run chase to come up 75 runs short at stumps with 8/115. Top scorer was LSSTD Craig Keygan, 31 and LSET Glen Prior chipping in with 24 runs. A great day was had by all and we look forward to the battle again next time. Incidentally, in all the years that the Navy has been to these parts of the world the Seven Seas Cricket team has never been beaten by a visiting Australian team.
Ironman / Woman Challenge
It was definitely a battle for the fittest onboard the lean mean fit fighting machine. The 2nd Ironman / Woman Challenge held on the flight deck on Saturday 3 October was a circuit with a range of different exercises. These advanced exercises included box jumps, wall balls, shot mat drags, thrusters and more. In order for the competitors to complete this gruelling circuit, they needed to move from one exercise station to the next conducting the designated number of repetitions for each exercise and at the same time displaying correct technique. This three hour event saw 33 competitors take their bodies to the limits, with everyone showing an impressive amount of strength and determination. The over 35 champion for the day was POMT Gilmore with a time of 14min 01sec. Iron woman was ABET Hazelman time 8min19secs (for the women's course). But by far the fittest person onboard HMAS Toowoomba was LSCD Tim Almond with a time of 8min 35secs (for the open men's course). Well done Diver! But well done also to all those who had a go and pushed through to the end. Excellent Job!
4 Hour Marathon (see A Marathon Effort story for more)
Some say this was the highlight of the trip and I can see why. This day and the lead up to this day confirmed Toowoomba's stamina, resilience and commitment towards each other, themselves and others in need. This 4-hour run around the flight deck in intense heat was done in teams of 2, 3, 4, 6, and 15. There was one individual competitor by the name of CPO Simon Butterworth, a man with supreme endurance and will power, battled the steel deck and heat on his own for the whole four hours. Toowoomba raised a total of $3524.40 which will go towards the Ship's Charities.
