Well, the 2005 National Touch League Championships are taking centre stage in Coffs Harbour again as around 5000 players, officials and spectators are converging on the region for the two week tournament.

After some anxious moments last night when it rained steadily for a number of hours, the clouds have lifted to bring a bright blue sky. It's amazing how quickly the weather can change here in Coffs though, so don't unpack that bright yellow rain jacket.

The Permit leaders and executives are meeting this morning to discuss current NTL issues, such as the timing of the events, the age divisions and various other agenda items.

You can expect to hear what happens later in the week as it no doubt affects all Touch players here!

Coffs Harbour Mayor Keith Rhoades will officially open the 2005 Asics National Touch League at 12pm today, where he will meet with the Permit representatives, ATA retiring CEO Bill Ker and incoming CEO Kevin Thompson and other Australian Touch officials.

So, the stage is set for another tough NTL, with all Permits no doubt keen to improve on last year and knock the Sydney Mets from their 2004 Platform.

In 2004 the Sydney Mets won five of the thirteen divisions available, including the Mens Open and Mixed Open titles.

The Southern Suns (Southern NSW), Sydney Scorpions and South Queensland Rustlers are all rated highly in the Mens Open division and will challenge the Mets, looking on paper to have stronger sides.

Brisbane City Cobras will also be extremely keen to take the title from the Mets after finishing runner up in both the Mens Open and Womens Open divisions in 2004.

The Gold Coast Sharks are defending champions in the Womens Open division and will again be tough to beat, led by current Australian Captain Sharon Williams, with the Sydney Mets and Brisbane Cobras also boasting many current Australian representatives.

With 121 teams competing and around 2200 players, the competition is at record levels for the Australian Touch Association and Tournament Director Jon Pratt is extremely pleased to be back in Coffs Harbour for the event.

"I had been told that the fields were in good condition and there had been some work done on the stadium, but that was an understatement. The fields are looking superb and the entire administration, management and canteen area has been revamped completely, it makes the stadium even better to run our premiere National Tournament from," he said.

"With a new record number of participants, there seems to be even more passion and desire to take home that National Touch League title."

Competition in the Open and 20 Years divisions commences at 9am on Friday March 11, with semi finals and finals being played on Monday March 14 from 9am until 6pm

The Senior divisions will then commence at 8:30am on Wednesday March 16, with semi finals and finals being played on Saturday 19th from 8am until 6pm.

The ATA homepage www.austouch.com.au will include stories, game and day summaries, feature articles and as many results as possible.

For the latest game results, touchdown scorers, ladders and fixtures use the link here:
Please use the following link: 2005 NATIONAL TOUCH LEAGUE DRAWS & RESULTS