Saturday, March 16, 2013
By BEN HARRIS
New South Wales Mets claimed back-to-back Elite Eight titles after winning the Women’s final at the 2013 X-Blades National Touch League at Coffs Harbour.
The Mets withstood a determined Queensland Chiefs outfit who were unbeaten prior to the final.
Australian player Ashleigh Quinlan scored with 90 seconds left on the clock to give her side a 5-4 victory.
“It feels good,” Mets captain Louise Winchester said.
“It is an incredible feeling and it feels awesome to win especially against such quality side.”
Earlier in the tournament Winchester said there was no pressure on her girls to defend their title but it was relieved looking skipper at the end of the final.
“It was something earlier on we spoke about and we have got great pride in it,” she said.
“I guess it is awesome to defend your title but against some tough opposition, it is very special.”
The skipper led her team by example by scoring a double, the first coming in the opening minutes of the match.
Her Australian teammate Charlotte Caslick levelled things up when she crossed over.
However, the cheers of the crowd soon turned to silence when Emily Hennessey fell to the ground in pain and clutched her ankle.
There were grave concerns for the playmaker as she had to be carried off the field and did not return.
The Mets took advantage of the situation at posted two more touchdowns Tegan Chandler and Kristy Judd, and lead 3-1 at half-time.
The second half started evenly with both sides not giving away many opportunities.
Chiefs’ Catherine Sargent scored to peg one touchdown back, and when 16-year-old Kimberley Sue See made a break and offloaded to Rebecca Lapraik, scores were even.
Winchester collected her second as did Sargent but when Quinlan used her skill to slice through the gap, she was not going to be stopped.
Winchester, the player of the match, said all her girls played well but there was a standout.
“It might sound a bit bias but my sister Claire was just outstanding. I know it was a bit of a challenge of hers, she wanted to match it with the best and I think she certainly proved herself,” Louise said.
The Player of the Series for the Women’s division was Emily Hennessey.
NSW METS 5 (Louise Winchester 2, Tegan Chandler, Kristy Judd, Ashleigh Quinlan touchdowns) def QUEENSLAND CHIEFS 4 (Catherine Sargent 2, Charlotte Caslick, Rebecca Lapraik touchdowns)
For all the news, results and information from the 2013 X-Blades National Touch League, you can get it through the following ways:
Websites
Social Media
Facebook – www.facebook.com/touchfootballaustralia
Twitter – www.twitter.com/touchfootyaus (be sure to use the hashtag #NTL2013)
Instagram – search for ‘Touch Football Australia’
YouTube - www.youtube.com/touchfootballaus
- Links:
Women's opens final
