Army Basketball Looking To Reclaim Inter Services Trophy

The Army say they are looking "to bring the trophy home" at the Inter Services Basketball Championships.

After an 18-year dominance, the men’s team have stuttered in the last two, with the Navy being crowned champions in 2018.

However, after working with other non-military teams, the Army believe this is their year to reclaim their crown.

Army team captain Sergeant Matthew Cooper said: “We try and coach a lot of the team to go away and play a lot of local league in a civilian environment.

"It keeps the guys on their toes and they are not dropped in the deep end.

"We can come here and work on our basketball and hopefully come through with a win at the end of the week."

He also singled out a win against the Navy as their main objective.

He said: "We always have a tough game against the RAF. The Navy are our competitors this year.

"They took us out last year and the year before. We really want to come out and play hard against those guys.

"Hopefully, we will take the trophy away from them and bring it back home for the Army."

The team’s head coach, Warrant Officer Ben Wathey, is hopeful that the team can live up to their potential: “The guys are starting to pick up on our ideas, philosophy and coaching style.

"Hopefully going forward, we will get some good results.

"We’re a diamond in the rough at the moment."

Also in action are the Army Women. For the past two seasons, they have been crowned champions and for Lieutenant Holly Kirkham, she is wary of the Navy’s threat.

She said: "I think the Navy are our biggest competition. They have the home court advantage and if anybody will take it from us, I think it will be them."