Defence Medical Academy crowned champions as Dhekelia 7s goes from strength to strength

Defence Medical Academy (DMA) defeated the Medical Training Support Unit in a thrilling penalty shootout to win the fourth annual Dhekelia 7s.

Having stormed through the group stage and early knockout rounds, DMA faced fellow unbeaten side RAF Brize Norton, who were chasing their third consecutive title, in the first semi-final.

The DMA won 2-0 to book their place in the final, where MTSU awaited after overcoming ATC Pirbright in the other semi-final. MTSU frustrated DMA in a hard-fought but goalless final, sending the game to penalties. But the favourites held their nerve to lift the trophy, securing their first title since winning the inaugural competition three years ago.

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It was a dominant performance at both ends of the pitch from the champions, scoring 23 goals across their eight matches without conceding any.

DMA captain Corporal Delise Clifford said: "There was this big thing about all these good teams, so we wanted to come out here and be the strongest team. We came for gold and we got it.

"The final was challenging in a different way. They sat back and played a defensive game, which was a good tactic, so it was good to get over the line with the penalties."

Twelve teams descended on Dhekelia, all vying for the title, but the tournament offered more than a chance for silverware.

RAF Brize Norton's AS2 Ruby Broyd said: "It's great for morale, and we're meeting so many new people and learning about their service, their trades.

"It's competitive, but everyone's having such a great time. So it's that mix of friendliness, but also everyone trying to win."

Trooper Jessica Kinanga, who represented the Royal Dragoon Guards, echoed this sentiment, saying: "I feel quite privileged, being able to go abroad to play the sport.

"It feels like we're finally being valued as soldiers, but also as sportswomen, too, and actually being taken seriously; and I really appreciate the opportunity."

The Dhekelia 7s has continued to grow over its first four years, with the tournament increasingly establishing itself on the military sporting calendar.

Dhekelia Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Tim Wildish explained why events like this are important.

He said: "It encourages others to get involved. They [the players] can go back, tell their stories, the great time they've had, the great competition, the friends they've made. It's about getting the word around. Getting more people into sport is a good thing, so let's do more of it."

Sergeant Kelly Rose, part of the victorious DMA side, added: "What an opportunity this is. You'll get troops going back to the UK with high morale and possibly that interest in playing sport as well, so it helps with retention.

"There's plenty of opportunities out there, but people are afraid to run these tournaments. But we need to run some more because this is incredible, and the growth of it over the last four years has been amazing."