National Touch League
METS REVENGE |
| The Sydney Mets mens turned the table on last year's champions Brisbane Cobras when they won the 2002 National Touch League mens open title at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium. The scorching heat of the finals day saw a number of players and referees suffer from heat exhaustion. The play on the field was also hot with individual and team brilliance on display. The clash between cross border rivals was always going to have plenty of feeling in it and with the added fuel of the Cobras looking to win back-to-back titles, the game was poised on a knife edge. The Mets led the Cobras and were in front at the half time break 3-1. At that point they were in a control of the game. The second half saw a revival from the Cobras, who were asked by coach Ash Heiniger to "give it a dig" and be patient during the second half. They did that and almost pulled off the win, unfortunately time ran out on them. The Mets coach David Collins was ecstatic with the victory, indicating that his young players who had experienced defeat last year were ready for whatever came their way this year. The Mets were the form team throughout the tournament and many of the punters present had predicted they would win the final in a canter. Whilst they did win, it was far from a canter. The fast finishing Cobras scoring late in the second half to ensure the Mets worked hard all the way to the final whistle. The final result saw the Mets get home 5-4. The Mets were well served by Garry Sonda, Paul Forrester, Steve Roberts and Jason Yee. Forrester described the win as "fantastic" and "an amazing feeling that has been a year in the making". Player of the Series was well deserved by Mets player Garry Sonda. Sonda did not compete in 2001 and returned to the top level with a vengeance. Leading the Mets by example throughout. RESULTS - MENS OPENS MENS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Mets 5 def Cobras 4 Mens Championship Semi Finals Mets 6 def Cyclones 4 Cobras 5 def Sharks2 MENS SHIELD FINAL Scorpions 11 def Razorbacks 4 Mens Shield Semi Finals Razorbacks 6 def Crusaders 3 Scorpions 8 def Rebels 2 MENS PLATE FINAL Eagles 4 def Barbarians 3 Mens Plate Semi Finals Eagles 4 def Hornets 3 Barbarians 6 def Suns 4 |
