The Reds showcased their customary ruthlessness at the net to down a much-improved Royal Air Force outfit 43-35 in the tournament’s concluding fixture, a result that followed on from a 48-29 triumph over the Royal Navy first up.

Skipper SSgt Ellie Nawele (AGC (SPS)) was in sublime form from the off against the RAF, scoring seven goals in the opening quarter. Goal attack Sgt Milly Price (R Signals) added a further six to give the soldiers a 13-10 lead at the break, an advantage that extended to 21-19 at half-time.

However, their rivals avoided the army’s traditional secondhalf blitz to stay in the contest, with the accuracy of goal shooter Fg Off Maisey Osborne proving a potent weapon.

The defending champions

found additional firepower of their own in the shape of Cpl Laura Butler (Int Corps), who came off the bench to replace Nawele and plundered nine goals in the third quarter, with a further eight in the fourth.

Those efforts allowed her side to pull clear of a dogged opponent late on and ultimately lift the trophy once more. “It was a very well contested match,” Nawele told SoldierSport.

I don’t think the final score reflected how well they played and we only pulled away in the last quarter.“Like every other year, we had great strength on the bench.

“This was Laura’s first InterServices; she has been involved for a couple of seasons but has deployed and is now back from maternity. She has great netball knowledge and has fitted in really well.

“We also have the advantage of having some experienced players who have represented their countries and played in the Super League.

“We have been together as a team for such a long time and the commitment and discipline the girls show throughout the season is brilliant.”