National Touch League

1998 National Touch League

The 1998 tournament was staged in Coffs Harbour from 10th- 17th of October. The national touch league separates Australia's vast pool of representative talent into 12 regional sides.

The 1998 event was expanded to include a number of senior divisions including the Mens o30s, o35s, o40s, o45s and womens o30s and o35s. In all the 6 day tournament played host to 116 teams all over 2500 players and officials.

Tournament director John Pratt commented on the improvement in the standard of play.

"It's good to see the level of improvement from one year to the next. The NTL is giving many teams that wouldn't ordinarily get this level of competition an opportunity to play with the big boys and it's doing wonders for their experience and confidence".

"I think the NTL is a great concept for the teams and it'll only get stronger. There's just a good feeling amongst the players who really seem to enjoy the standard of competition."

Indeed the local Coffs Harbour council has been similarly impressed with the tournament and it's economic benefits and they have pitched for a long-term association with the tournament.

"It's very encouraging to see the level of support we are receiving from the local business and tourism sectors," explaining Bill Ker, Chief Executive officer of the Australian touch Association.

"Coffs Harbour recognise the benefits this tournament brings to the local community."

Much in the same way that the NSW state cup has found a home in Port Macquarie, the NTL has found a home in Coffs Harbour. With it's spectacular beaches, hotels, scenery and superb playing facilities Coffs Harbour has plenty to offer.

"It's a great location and a really good tournament for the players," said Sydney scorpions player Mark Boland after his mens final MVP award. "the players have definitely accepted the concept and I think it'll continue to grow. I really enjoy playing here."

Apart from the NBN. WIN and Optus coverage this year's national touch league finals have also been broadcast nationally on the ABC which is another huge coup for the tournament and the sport of touch.

While the last two NTL's have been staged in October, future tournaments will be moved to a March time slot to accommodate a busy tournament calendar.

An interesting NTL trend has been the large number of Queensland versus NSW permit holder final match-ups which is certainly helping to bring the best out of the players.

MIXED FINAL The Sydney scorpions always had the measure of the Gold Coast sharks in the mixed final, despite a one-point win. The scorpions carried on from there 4-2 half time lead to win 6-5 in an entertaining, high scoring game.

Scorpion's [player, Dean Murphy had an excellent game and was always a handful scoring two touchdowns in his most valuable player performance.

WOMENS FINAL the Gold Coast sharks came into the Women's final unbeaten after 6 games and confident of a win. The Sydney Mets on the other hand lost one game to the Sydney Rebels and had a nerve-racking one point win over last year's winners, the Brisbane Cobras in the semi final.

After a tentative start before a 3000 strong crowd the Mets took a solid 2-1 lead to the break after touchdowns to Sloane Whitemen and Nadina Bambury. A quick dump, scoop and pass early in the second half by Giselle Tirado saw the Mets Stretch the lead to 3-1 which was enough to get them home. The 3-1 win was especially sweet for the Sydney Mets after losing last years final to the cobras. The Mets Amanda Judd was a worthy recipient of the most Valuable player award.

MENS FINAL The men's final featured another NSW verses Queensland clash with the Sydney scorpions up against the Sunwest Razorbacks. In one of the best games of the tournament the scorpions just got up in the semi final beating the Brisbane Cobras 4-3 in a classic encounter.

The razorbacks came into the final with some indifferent form. After 11-4 loss to the Cobras in the last round, few gave them a chance of taking the title. However they returned to form with a solid 8-4 win over a much improved Crusaders side in the semi final.

Both teams started the final at full throttle. Six a side at this level is played at an incredible pace and the transitions from the bench were fast and furious.

The scorpions soon began to dominate territory with better ball control and movement. It wasn't long before Robert smith scored after a clever switch with Jason Zabielo close to the line.

It was Jason Zabielo again who set up the second touchdown after a brilliant step to put Adam Fahim over in the corner taking the scorer to 2-0.

It was only a signature score by Scott Notley late in the half that kept the Razorbacks in the game. While the Razorbacks were still smarting over what looked to be a very dubious touchdown, the Scorpions were in again with Adam Lollback advancing the score to 3-1 just minutes before the break.

Six minutes into the second half the Razorbacks, Neil ward took a brilliant reflex intercept against the run of play to narrow the scores to 3-2. Then it was another piece of individual brilliance by Gavin Mcdonald who dummied his way over to level the scores at 3 each. All of a sudden the Razorbacks were back in the game with momentum and territory swinging their way.

The teams slugged it out to full time finishing all square at 3 a piece. Drop-offs are what we all come to see and what a fitting way to final such a wonderful tournament. After 3 days of competition and such a fast final the drop-off was going to be a real test of endurance for both teams.

The teams immediately returned with five players. The scorpions were favoured by a mountain of possession and the razorbacks were forced to desperately defend their line. Finally it was down to a four on four situation when the veteran Scott Notley was matched up with the fresh legs of Shane Frederikson. Frederikson seized the opportunity, getting on Notley's outside before throwing a wide ball to winger Glen Fitzgerald who divided for the corner to score. In the end it was a sheer weight of possession that got the scorpions home.

The Scorpions successfully defended their title with an exhausted yet delighted Mark Boland collecting the Most Valuable Player award.