Honours shared in Battle of Icons

JAMES Cook University and the 3rd Brigade have competed against each another in the annual “Battle of the Icons” sporting events.

The sports gala is designed to bring students and soldiers together in a friendly, positive atmosphere but still with fierce competition.

This year, JCU and Army each triumphed with each winning four sports.

JCU won women’s rugby, women’s netball, men’s basketball and men’s rugby.

3rd Brigade won men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s Australian rules football and women’s Australian rules football.

JCU and 3rd Brigade carry out an annual three- day event in which multiple sports are contested. The games culminate with the Chancellor’s and Commander’s Cup rugby union matches. Collectively the events are known as the Battle of the Icons.

The competition started in 2001 with rugby union as the curtain raiser to the British Lions versus the Queensland Presidents XV. The game was a success and the format has grown since.

Over time, extra sports have been added to the schedule, including women’s rugby, men’s basketball, women’s netball, men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s AFL.

Commander 3rd Brigade Brigadier Chris Field said the event was a great way to promote the benefit of active lifestyles and participation through sport that Army and JCU both encourage.

“Competitive sport brings us together and highlights the values of both organisations,” Brigadier Field said.

GAME ON: Rugby union in 2001 was the catalyst for the annual Battle of the Icons which now also involves AFL, ne

JCU won men’s basketball.

Women’s soccer, where 3rd Brigade triumphed.

Men’s AFL

JCU claime