The Air Force One lawn bowls team spent a day on the green at the 'Day in the Gardens' lawn bowls tournament on March 17.
They fell one point short, with two wins and one loss, emerging 10th out of 36 teams that competed at the Kensington Marryatville Bowling Club in Adelaide.
The team was joined by Air Force Two, which had a mixed day out with a loss, a draw and a win.
Flight Sergeant Patrick Lee, manager of both teams, said all six participants from RAAF Base Edinburgh enjoyed promoting Air Force bowls and the camaraderie that playing sport in the local community fostered.
"The enthusiasm for both the tournament and concept of Air Force representation was overwhelmingly positive, with a steady flow of questions throughout the day coming from opposition teams," Flight Sergeant Lee said.
Next year, Flight Sergeant Lee is looking to include teams from the other two services, or even have an ADF team join the Air Force contingent.
The tournament attracted teams from across the metropolitan area, which consisted of club champions, and state and national players.
"With the Air Force Bowls Association national championships coming up in May, the tournament was a good chance to consolidate and prepare," Flight Sergeant Lee said.
"We'll be catching up with old friends and making new ones as members are introduced to the highly challenging sport."
'We have a number of very good players to act as mentors who have had huge success at district, state and national levels.'
Air Force Bowls Association (AFBA) is seeking players of all experience levels for the national championships at the Windsor Bowls Club, NSW, running from May 18 to 23.
AFBA president Corporal Gregory Wetzler said the championships were open to anyone interested in trying their hand at lawn bowls.
"There is no requirement for people to be a member of a bowls club or to have their own equipment," Corporal Wetzler said.
"We have a number of very good players to act as mentors who have had huge success at district, state and national levels."
A coaching clinic will be conducted on the first day of the championships, with Ben Twist and Brianna Smith from the Australian Jackaroos team in attendance to answer questions and provide tips.
"Lawns bowls is highly skilful and tactically challenging," Corporal Wetzler said.
"If you think you have what it takes, please come along for what is sure to be a great week."
