A Touch of finals’ action

The weather was kind for the Junior Touch Football summer season finals. A warm and sunny afternoon led to an afternoon of top notch junior action.
The Under 10s began the proceedings with Ball Girls and Piranhas entertaining in a tight tussle. With many of the Ball Girls playing in their first season they showed great determination in pushing the more experienced Piranhas for the entire match. The Piranhas held on to take the result by a couple of touchdowns.
Fast and Furious lived up to their name against the Touch Nuts, showing their attacking flair. Touch Nuts never gave up and will be back bigger and better next year.
The final between the Colour Bombs (girls) and Pirates (boys) turned into an absolute heart stopper. After an outstanding match with end to end action, the score was dead locked at the full-time siren sending the game into a dreaded drop-off to determine the winner. The hill and side line were packed with supporters and spectators to watch the excitement. Most of these young players had never seen a drop-off before let alone participated in one and all the players should be proud of how they played. The Colour Bombs had first use of the Steeden and scored a team touchdown in the corner in the first set of six. The Pirates had one set to level the score, but the girls successfully held them out to take the honours. Player of the Season, an award judged for players showing not only playing ability but great sportsmanship towards team mates, opposition and officials, was awarded to Lily Geary and Atticus Richter.
The Under 12 division saw two finals played, both at great pace and with great skill on show by all teams and players. The ‘A’ final saw the Daredevil girls against the Noosaville boys. This match was touchdown for touchdown for most of the match with Noosaville holding on to take the trophy by a couple of touchdowns in the end. In a game that was affected by the lack of player availability the Banana Splits had a tough match up against a combined team of Mad Dogs and Diamonds. Whilst the Mad Dog/Diamonds combination proved to be successful on the day, which was impressive from these players for working together for the first time, Banana Splits were named the winners. Dakota Pohlner and Josh Palmer were worthy recipients for the Player of the Season honours.
SBSHS and NDSHS played in the Under 14/16 girls final. This was always going to be a tough defensive ask for the younger Noosa girls up against the more experienced Sunshine girls. SBSHS put on a magnificent attacking display and thoroughly deserved the win on the day.
The B Grade Under 14/16 boys final saw NDSHS successful against the Barbarians. The Noosa boys kept their cool and were eventual winners in a game that was played with an outstanding attitude and terrific spirit.
A nail-biter ended the afternoon in the Under 14/16 boys A Grade final between Bankers and SBSHS. Only one touchdown proved to be the difference as the final whistle blew with SBSHS taking the title. Both teams put on a captivating display and entertained their supporters. Monique Robinson and Ben Anderson were named as Players of the Season.
Noosa Touch recognises all the junior referees and would like to thank every one of them for their continued time and effort every week. Refereeing can, at times, be a tough job but can also be very rewarding. Without these youngsters making themselves available every week games would not be able to be played.
Junior Referee Encouragement awards were presented to Cooper Lea and Ben Anderson and the Junior Referees of the Season were Grace Kennedy and Curtis Dean. Harrison Lea was named as Junior MVP for his time, effort and dedication both on and off the field as a player, referee and junior referee coordinator.
Final thanks to the entire touch family, players, referees, coaches, managers and supporters. Another successful year and we look forward to seeing you all in the new year. Keep an eye out for sign on dates on our website and Facebook page.