Air Force edges Navy in Commodore’s Cup

An RCN defender stops an RCAF receiver’s run by grabbing his flag during the Commodore’s Cup flag football game, Oct. 14 at the Colville Road sports field.

Peter Mallett, 
Staff Writer

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A late touchdown gave the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) victory over the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in the first annual Commodore’s Cup flag football game on Oct. 14.

“The RCAF fully deserved the win,” said Lieutenant (Navy) David MacLellan, RCN Team Captain, following the trophy presentation. “Of course, we wanted to win and hoist the trophy but it was a lot of fun competing and a great game to be part of.”

The Commodore’s Cup was organized by the office of Commodore (Cmdre) David Mazur, Commanding Officer of Canadian Fleet Pacific (CFP), and Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Matthew Goodwin, CFP HQ Unit Chief.

The competition was designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps between members of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC), 19 Wing Comox, and 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Sidney, B.C.. Participants and organizers agreed it more than delivered on that promise.

The RCN had jumped out to an 18-14 lead early in the second half following an interception and touchdown return by Lt(N) MacLellan.

Lt(N) Matthew Hallock of the Naval Tactical Operations Group, who scored the first-half touchdown, said the match-up’s closeness added to the game’s enjoyment level.

“We are not deterred by the result because there is always next year’s rematch and everyone loves a good comeback story,” he said.

The RCAF held on for a 20-18 victory at Colville Road Sports Field in front of over 200 people. Each team scored three touchdowns, but the RCAF made good on a 2-point conversion following their touchdown. That proved to be the difference in the game.

Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Kevin Leblond, RCAF Team Captain and Commanding Officer of 443 Sqn, was presented with the newly minted Commodore’s Cup trophy by Commander (Cdr) Ted Summers, Commanding Officer of CFP HQ. After accepting the trophy, LCol Leblond said his team’s victory was completely unexpected.

“It feels awesome to be champions but what is even more amazing is that most of the players on this team have never played or practised together before,” he said.

Captain (Navy) Mark O’Donohue, Deputy Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, said he was impressed with the game turnout and the field’s excitement level.

“The Commodore’s Cup was a resounding success,” Capt(N) O’Donohue. “It was well-organized with strong participation from both RCN and RCAF units, as well as youth and dignitaries from the local community. The RCN looks forward to winning the cup back next year.”

RCAF personnel and team captain Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Leblonde of 443 Sqn is presented the Commodore’s Cup trophy by Commander Ted Summers, Fleet Engineering Officer, and Chief Petty Officer First Class Matthew Goodwin, Canadian Fleet Pacific HQ Unit Chief. The RCAF defeated the RCN 20-18 in the inaugural edition of the Commodore’s Cup flag football competition. Photo: Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper