The Men’s team played the New Zealand Maori side in the top of the table clash on Friday morning, and got out to an early 3-1 lead. The Maori side hit back to lead 4-3 at half time, before Australia fought hard to level the game at 6-6 at full time. The two teams are now expected to meet in tomorrow’s grand final following their exciting clash today.
Cody and Jesse Green and Luke Norford were among the team’s best players in game one.
Australia met China in game two of the day, and put in a strong performance to take out a six touchdown win, 9-3. Kale Johnson was a standout, scoring three touchdowns, as well as also having a strong performance in defence.
Australia sits on top of the ladder with New Zealand Maori after two days of competition, with one game remaining before finals. Both the Australian and New Zealand Maori teams are tipped to meet again in tomorrow afternoon’s grand final.
The Women’s team played three games today, winning one and losing two.
The Women’s team played the Pasifika Invitational side first up this morning, winning 12-1. Simone Smith was one of the best players for Australia in game one.
In game two, the Australian side came out firing to take an early 3-0 lead against the Ao Teaora Invitational team, and went to the half time break leading. The Ao Teaora side hit back in the second half however, to take the game 8-5. Standouts in game two for Australia included Bo De La Cruz, who helped the Australian Women’s team beat New Zealand in last weekend’s Trans Tasman Test Series, as well as Smith again.
Australia played the New Zealand Maori team in game three of the day on the main field, which was recorded for Maori TV.
The Australian team got out to another 3-0 lead, but trailed at the half time break by two touchdowns. They hit back to level the game with 10 minutes remaining, but the New Zealand Maori side ran away with the game to win 8-6. The best players for game three included Mel Ingram as well as Smith, named in the best players for the third time in three games.
The Australian Women’s coaching staff is very pleased with their team’s performance, with the majority of the side under the age of 17 and with one player competing at just 14 years of age. The coaching staff said that to challenge the NZ Maori team in the way that they did was fantastic.
The Women’s side will finish the round games in third place, and will play off for third and fourth place in the plate final tomorrow.
Following the finals will be an awards presentation followed by an official function on Saturday night.
Touch Football Australia congratulates the teams on their performance so far in the competition, and wishes them luck for the finals tomorrow.
Stay tuned to the TFA website for further information regarding the World Indigenous Touch Tournament.
