RAF Basketball Players Expecting 'Competitive' Inter Services

The RAF are expecting a "competitive" tournament at the Inter Services Basketball Championships in Portsmouth.

The best basketball players from the RAF, Navy and Army will clash at HMS Nelson.

Last year, the Air Force’s men’s team lost by just two points to the Army but finished in last place due to the tight margins of the tournament.

RAF men's player Pilot Officer Jamie Rodwell expects this year’s championships to be a similarly close affair.

He said: “I think it is going to be a competitive one. I think we have some experience this time that hopefully can steady it a little bit. I’ll do what I can to get those extra few points and put us ahead.

“Games are always better when they are close. They are a bit feistier and a bit more fun.”

He is also expecting difficult opposition from the Navy and the Army.

“We know that they can compete," he said.

"We know that they are strong and quick so we are looking at doing stuff to counter that and get by that.”

The women will also be in action during the tournament and have been getting ready by pitting men against women.

That has helped the RAF women's side prepare for their equally tough opposition according to team vice-captain, Sergeant Grace Turton.

“We have got some of the men’s development squad helping us out which is good for height and numbers.

“We come against strong opposition against the Navy and the Army so that’s what we need.”

There is also the RAF under 23s, who with a mix of young and promising senior players, a good performance at the Inter Services could be a pathway through to the senior squad for some players.

Flight Lieutenant Rob Humpston said: "The juniors is the natural stepping stone. We have three players on the juniors who currently play for the senior men’s team as well.

"If you are not quite there when you turn 23, there is always the development team too."

The competition begins this month.