Army down Royal Air Force rivals to complete an impressive basketball double

The Army Women saw off defending champions the Royal Air Force in a dramatic showdown in Aldershot to lift the Inter Services title.

A sensational three-pointer by the Army's Evangeline Davies with the last play of the match helped the Army win 39-37.

Earlier, a tight tussle saw the Army edge the opening quarter 9-5, and they were still keeping their Air Force rivals at bay at halftime but only just at 20-19.

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The airwomen, who were chasing a fifth successive crown, overhauled their hosts in the third quarter. 

The 2025 tournament's MVP (most valuable player) Steph Cornell was at the heart of the light blues' comeback.

A dogged display from the Army meant the Air Force never moved too far in front on the points board. 

With the lead changing hands throughout the fourth and final quarter, the difference was 36-37 in favour of the RAF.

With just seconds of the contest remaining, up stepped Davies and the young Oxford based Officer Cadet sent home her third three-pointer of the match to kick start wild courtside celebrations by the Army contingent.

Following her title winning performance, Davies said: "I got a few three-pointers in the game, and then the pressure was on to lay down that final shot today. 

"I think it's great. I think women's basketball is really in the rise and for us to get that win today, it's really good."

Meanwhile the deciding game in the men's competition was straightforward in comparison. 

Once in front, the Army never looked back, going on to win 85-78 and retain the title.

St Vincent and Grenadine international Glasgow Douglas was in fine form as he helped spearhead his side to victory.

The Army took control of the match during the middle of the contest, and they pushed 71-54 in front in the third quarter.

A spirited Air Force fightback saw the Light Blues reel in the Army thanks to an eye-catching display from the airmen's Billy Cousins.

Army captain Murray Ferris rallied his troops during a time out and they saw out the match to record back-to-back titles and clinch an impressive Army double.

Afterwards, Army skipper Staff Sergeant Murray said: "We were a bit lackadaisical, I would say, but we need to turn back up. 

"It's our home, we can't lose at our home, so we were not going let that happen. It's my first year as captain, and it means a lot."