Tweed River High School and Patrician Brothers (Blacktown), claim 2015 State finals titles
Arguably the most coveted School based Touch Football Title in NSW, the NSWTA Year 9-10 All Schools State Finals, was held on Friday the 12th of July at the Kingsway Playing Fields (the home of Penrith Touch). A recent restructure to the format of the event saw school sides from all educational systems invited to attend without the need to qualify regionally. The result of this change? A mammoth 80 teams from all corners of the state (and a few from Queensland) playing a total of 220 matches across two divisions in one day.
In its 22nd year, the All Schools State Finals consistently unearths many of the sports rising stars whilst coincidently showcasing the best Touch Football programs in the State. The ‘open invite’ format attracted a number of relative newcomers, the expected perennial contenders and all in between, culminating in a uniquely contested event.
The Girls Division, boasting 44 teams, and the Boys division, 36 teams, featured a number of Junior Representative Stars sprinkled through different rosters and some well-known coaches coordinating structures from the box. Such is the attraction of the All Schools State Finals. It tests the capability of coaches to combine diversely skilled athletes under the incomparable banner of School spirit. It is raw, exciting and unpredictable.
The Girls Division was eventually narrowed to two. In a ridiculously tight final series which reinforced the rising standard of school touch, Tweed River fought for victories over Hills Sports, Tuggerah Lakes and Mackellar Girls whilst Helensvale State claimed wins over St Clares, Kildare and Tomaree to face off in the Grand Final. The two sides traded blows early, Helensvale State’s rounded attack and athleticism created chances across the field whilst Tweed River continually created space through a channelled attacking style on their oppositions line. Through regulation the two sides were drawn at 2-2 and the drop off contained a mix of desperate defence and lost attacking opportunities. With both sides down to 3 players, Tweed River gained valuable red zone territory and converted the opportunity sliding under exhausted defence to claim the State Title. Tweed Rivers Tarryn Aiken, who continually structured her side from link and finished with 2 touchdown assists, was named Player of the Final.
The Boys Division Grand Final welcomed Patrician Brothers Blacktown and defending champions – Narrabeen Sports High. ‘Patties’ progressed after Finals Series wins over St Clares, Brisbane Waters and Hunter Sports whilst Narrabeen gained a forfeit via Plumpton before narrow victories over Benowa and St Dominic’s. A well drilled Patrician Brothers side offered innovative attacking plays and a defensive effort that demonstrated their selfless comradary whilst the defending champion Narrabeen side exploited opportunities on the back of some equally impressive middle/link penetrations. With minutes remaining, trailing 3 – 2, Narrabeen Sports unsuccessfully explored some final attacking chances with Patrician Brothers holding on to claim the 2015 State Title. Patrician Brothers Lengthy Link Josh Curran, tirelessly led his sides driving patterns and seemingly dictated the pace of the match in crucial moments to be named Player of the Final.
The Year 7-8 State Finals will take place in Bathurst on November 5th after Regional Qualifiers across the State through term 3.
For full results from the Year 9-10 Finals please visit – All Schools Event Website
For information on Year 7-8 Regional Qualifiers please visit – NSW Touch Year 7-8 Regional Qualifiers
