The 2005 Asics NTL is the first NTL that the ACT are represented as their own permit, rather than as a part of the Crusaders permit and it's certainly proving an interesting experience...

Entering teams in Men's Open, Women's Open, Mixed Open, Men's 20s, Women's 20s and Men's 45s, the ACT have not only increased team numbers and participants at the NTL but are aiding the growth and development of Touch in our Nation's capital.

For the first time, the ACT players are playing in a tournament with friends, not relatively unknown interstate teammates, as was the case when they were included in the Crusaders.

ACT Men's Open captain Damien Prendergast, and ACT Women's Open captain Kath Finn, are fully supportive of the new venture and hope their teams can succeed not only for themselves but for the well-being of Touch in the ACT.

The ACT teams have realistic expectations about their NTL debut, hoping to achieve personal goals.

"We've got six players under the age of 19 in the Mens Open side so we came away hoping to learn as a team and enjoy ourselves and hopefully make the quarter finals," said Prendergast.

The women also share similar goals.

"A lot of our girls are new to NTL's, only six or so played for the Crusaders in the past, so we're just hoping to play to our potential as a team and to enjoy ourselves," said Finn.

The ACT players are excited to finally get a chance to represent their territory.

"Guys in our side like Ben Smith and Chris Tarlinton have been around since the beginning of Crusaders in 1997, so it's great for them that they now get to play for the ACT," said Prendergast.

"I'm proud to play for the ACT, everyone's very supportive and we've got a great spirit in our franchise," said Finn.

This is a spirit that will hopefully filter down to encourage ACT players at a local level.

"I think at local clubs in Canberra, people saw that teams were coming away to a national event and realised that there is a path into bigger competitions if that's your goal," said Prendergast.

"I think Touch in the ACT will benefit greatly from the new franchise as it gives younger players something to aspire to and will encourage them to continue to play," said Finn.

We certainly wish them all the best at the 2005 NTL and hope they continue to improve and develop at a local and national level.

By Lisa Plummer

The 2005 Asics National Touch League Sporting Pulse website contains the final draws, results and also statistics such as touchdown scorers.

Please use the following link: 2005 NATIONAL TOUCH LEAGUE DRAWS & RESULTS

All feature articles will be placed on the www.austouch.com.au homepage and also on the above Sporting Pulse page as often as possible.