RAF mens basketball comes to Hurlburt to train Commando style Published March 2, 2007 By Jamie Haig 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Royal Air Force came to Hurlburt for one reason - to play the Commando Varsity basketball team. "Your basketball team has the right caliber of players," said Peter Clowes, head coach and former RAF team player. "We're about to enter our inter-service championships, and we wanted an edge over the other teams. Playing against your team gives us this advantage." Clowes and his assistant coach, Graham Hughes, came to Hurlburt previously in 2002, but that time, Clowes was a player on the team. "We returned here because of the competition, the high level of skills and how well we're treated," Clowes said. The RAF team arrived Feb. 16 and spent the week doing twice-daily drills and pick-up games against the intramural teams at the Aderholt Fitness Center. "It was good of the teams to allow us to play against them," Hughes said. The RAF team competes in the United Kingdom Inter-Service Championships today through Sun-day in England. Their competition will be the Royal Army and Royal Navy. "We also hope this gives us the edge over the Army team this year," Hughes said. Since the team is comprised of 16 members from all over the RAF, working together was the main objective. "We wanted to improve our team work," Clowes said. "They come from different squadrons and with the high tempo operations, they cannot get away to practice all that often." Hughes and Clowes brought two members from the ladies' basketball team on this trip. The coaches hoped the skills the women bring to their own team would help in training the RAF team. The RAF participated in two games Feb. 22 in the Commando gym. The team played against Eglin Air Force Base's varsity team followed by a game against the Southeastern Military Athletic Conference champions, the Commandos. Despite losing 63-40, the RAF coaches remained optimistic about their players. "We don't have the kind of competition the Commandos offer back home," Clowes said. "Our boys improved throughout the games. Once they settled down, the flow was consistent." Clowes continued by saying the Commando Varsity team was professional, courteous and instructive. "Even though they were winning by a large margin, there was no show-boating," Clowes said. "But they kept the tempo up and didn't make it easy for us." Hughes has been active duty in the Royal Air Force for 37 years and retires later this year. He's coached basketball for 32 years with the RAF, youth groups and England's state basketball team, which is comparable to an NBA team. Clowes, active duty for 21 years, stopped playing for the RAF only three years ago, but has coached the team since then. "Age caught up with me," Clowes said smiling. "It's hard to keep up with these young men. I can put my skills to better use coaching." The RAF team hopes to return next year for another week of competition and hospitality.