NSWTA Vawdon Cup

The 2008 Competition sees the emergence of the Mixed Premier League, to sit along both Men's and Women's Premier League. These competitions will commence on Friday, 11 July 2008 with all other divisions commencing on Friday, 18 July 2008.

Canterbury Bulldogs (Men's) and Western Suburbs Magpies (Women's) created history when they broke long premiership winning droughts in the respective New South Wales Touch Association (NSWTA) Vawdon Cup Premier League Division Grand Finals in 2007 and will look to defend their hard earned titles.

Men’s Premier League Preview

* Canterbury Bulldogs – the Dogs waited 27 years to reclaim the Vawdon Cup in 2007 and did the double, also winning the 2007 State Cup in Port Macquarie. Canterbury with National Training Squad (NTS) members – Joel Willoughby, Daniel Walsh, Stephen Roberts, Matt Prowse, Stuart Brierty – and the mercurial Garry Sonda should be still be standing at the business end of the season.

* Hornsby Lions – 2007 first time finalists had a fantastic season and will be determined to repeat the feat. Much will depend on the availability of stars – Maurice Kennedy, John Kennedy and Willie Bishop.

* Easts Roosters – have recently stepped up into contenders for the title winning a spot in the State Cup Grand Final and many of their stars contributing to Rebels recent success at the National Touch League. Easts will look to the leadership qualities of Jarrat Wood and Christopher Jonson, skill of NTS members – Jamie Chan and Christian Frost as well as the developing Peter Watkins and Jonathan Rooke.

* Wests Magpies – a better club team you are unlikely to find anywhere. With names like Marshall, Nicholls, Ziade, Takchi, Singh, Rushworth, Nercessian, Miller, Jacono and Antonio. Wests have the experience and youth to challenge any team. Last but definitely not least is the outstanding talents of 2007 Mark Boland Medal winner – Jason Stanton.

* Penrith Panthers – have developed into a sensational outfit and will look to Jason Yee and Scott Buckley to steer them to another finals campaign. Penrith will also rely on their National Youth Squad (NYS) members including Matthew Moylan, Ben Moylan, Nick Good, David Farkas, and Luke Eisenhuth.

* Parramatta Eels – the Eels line-up is impressive. Any team with Troy Malcolm, Jamie Stowe, and Dean Wilbow will be difficult to beat. With Dean Springfield also added to the Parramatta outfit should ensure a competitive season.

* Cronulla Sharks – the Sharkies had a much improved 2007 season and will aim to consolidate in 2008. NTS members – Andrew Baggio, Matthew Tope, and Brad Holden – will need to shine for Cronulla to feature in the finals.

* Manly Sea Eagles – have lost many players recently but the club has depth to cope with the losses. Manly always perform well in the Club Championship stakes at Junior State Cup and will look to these juniors to ensure a Manly revival.

Women’s Premier League Preview

* Wests Magpies – broke the drought in 2007 which stretched back to 1993. Wests’ Bo De La Cruz will be determined there is not as long between drinks this time and will be well supported by other NTS members including Stacey Lapham and Nicky Albery.

* Canterbury Bulldogs – the Dogs responded to their 2007 Vadwon Cup lost to Wests with a win at State Cup but will still not be satisfied. Canterbury Grand Final loss was the only blemish in an outstanding Vawdon Cup season and will be determined to get up for the big one in 2008. Claire Winchester along with joint 2007 Karen Smith Medal winner, Louise Winchester, will be key players for the Dogs.

* Easts Roosters – despite some of their elder statesman bowing out after the 2007 State Cup, Easts are as strong as ever. Joint 2007 Karen Smith Medal winner, Kristy Judd, will again be one to watch along with fellow NTS members – Selene Thornton, Amanda Judd, and Kristin Boss.

 * Wollongong Devils – have an abundance of junior stars on their books. These players get better with each year and will want to show that they can compete on equal footing with the likes of Easts, Wests, and Canterbury. To knock off one of the big three, Wollongong will need Ashleigh Dobbins and Nicole Beck to take it to their more experienced rivals.

* Manly Sea Eagles – Rachel Cleave and Rachel Byrne will be the two to lead Manly’s assault on the flag and will be training the house down to match it with their more fancied rivals.

* Cronulla Sharks – it will only take a few wins to make the finals and anything can happen in the pressure cooker environment of a final. The Sharkies will look to Gab Rose and Dearne Cooper to get them over the line.

Best of luck to all Vawdon Cup participants and you can keep up to date on the tournament by visiting the NSWTA website – www.nswtouch.com.au or the Vawdon Cup website – http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-714-0-45019-0