Issue 5 - The WA Scoop - June 2012

THE WA SCOOP

INSIDE THIS ISSUE WA Operations Report

North West Championships Review

Broome School Clinics

State of Origin Referees

Around the Grounds

Meet Our Sponsors Is

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www.touchwest.com

WA Operations Manager’s Report From the Desk of Sophie Maguire

As the end of the current financial year approaches, WA looks likely to finish the year with a healthy surplus

position. This will hopefully be the second consecutive year that we have achieved surplus. As well as lodging

budgets for the coming financial year, we have been busy throughout the state with the delivery of both the

North West and Lower South West Development Conferences. As with any new initiative, we are working out the

knots and looking at ways to continually improve the delivery of these services.

The 2012 Be Active North West Championships were held in Broome late last month and saw the best teams from

around the Kimberley and Pilbara regions compete against one another in a bid to take out the championship.

The current state mixed championship team from Karratha continued their undefeated reign at the North West

Champs and we would like to congratulate the team on another spectacular performance.

Kind Regards,

Sophie Maguire – WA Operations Manager

DATES FOR THE DIARY

15th – 17th June: Lower South West

Affiliate Development Conference

2nd – 6th July: School Sports WA Country

Week

4th July: Western Tigers AusSquad Academy

Session 3

7th July: Lower South West Development

Conference

THE WA SCOOP

North West Championships Review The North West Championships were played in Broome on Friday the 18th and Saturday

the 19th of May. With help from the Broome Touch Association we had a very successful

tournament. The games on Friday night were played under lights as the fog settled over

the grounds and we were lucky enough that all games on Saturday were played in

perfect sunshine. With 10 teams competing in either a Mixed ‘A’ or a Mixed ‘B’

competition there were a few useful breaks to allow all the players and referees the

chance to recharge in time for the next round of games. These breaks were well used as

Touch Football WA, with help from the Women’s Open Alliance Assistant Coach Dave

Richardson, were able to run numerous Junior Development Clinics for the two Broome

under 18 teams who were competing in the Mixed ‘B’ Competition. All games across

both grades were played in great spirit and not only created high quality touch but also

allowed a lot of different players to experience an elite event.

The tournament began on the Friday night in perfect conditions that allowed for some free flowing touch football.

The first round games began at exactly five in the afternoon with a beautiful sunset as the back drop. First up was

the Mixed ‘B’ competition that was made up of five Broome teams, including two junior teams, as well as a team

from Hedland Touch Association. The first round went as planned with all three senior Broome teams taking the win

however there were a lot of surprises in store for the Mixed ‘B’ division. As the lights began to drown out the sun the

hotly contested Mixed ‘A’ division kicked off. With Karratha’s mixed side being the current State Mixed champions

they were the early favourites. The first round saw the Broome teams suffer their first defeat of the tournament as

Hedland Cyclones 7 defeated Broome Lightning 4 whilst Karratha continued their undefeated streak at the North

West Championships with a 6 to 3 win over the Broome Bullets. With a break needed before the next Mixed ‘B’

matches a junior development clinic was run. This was managed by Dave Richardson as well as Karon Boston and

Julian Middlemiss from Touch Football WA. After just watching the Broome Junior teams take the field there were a

lot of different aspects to work on. The kids loved the experience and were very keen to take their new found

knowledge into round 2.

After the junior development clinic it was time for the Mixed ‘B’ teams to show if they could improve on their results

from Round 1. The main game of Round 2 was between the Broome Runaways and the Broome Scoredsms as the

winner would take an early lead in the group. It was a one sided game however as Broome Runaways ran away

(pardon the pun) with it taking a comfortable victory 12 – 4. Hedland’s ‘B’ team had their first win for the

tournament with an 8-4 win over the Broome Warriors who after their junior clinic were much improved. The game

between the Broome Pearlers and the Broome Broncos was the highlight of the round. The Broome Pearlers were

expected to comfortably take care of their junior counterparts; however with new found skills from their clinic the

Broome Broncos were not going to be pushovers. After the scores were locked at 4 a piece at half time it took

second half doubles from both Michael Lorrigan and Matt Wood for the Broome Pearlers to just take the win 8-7.

The showing was a testament to the Broome Broncos and the work they put in with the Touch Football WA staff to

immediately take their lessons into the game.

As we moved on we welcomed back the Mixed ‘A’ division to the fields. After Karratha and

Hedland had taken the points off both the Broome teams in the competition it was important

that Broome get on the board in Round 2. Unfortunately for the Broome Lightning they came

up against a red hot side in Karratha who easily accounted for the lightning 9-2. Again it was

the game on field 2 that turned out to be the main event. With both teams looking to keep

pace with Karratha a win was needed before the final round game on Saturday morning. The

first half was a very tense affair that ended with a 3 all score line. It wasn’t thought possible but

the defence stepped up another gear in the second half however Karen Claudius and Ashley

Dann both managed to crack the Hedland defence which meant Broome Bullets recorded

their first win with a 5—4 victory.

THE WA SCOOP

After their much improved effort in the Round 2 the junior teams were again given the

chance to improve with a final junior development clinic. With the junior vs. junior match

to take place in the final round of the night all of the kids were pumped and working

hard to take as much out of the session as possible. It was clear that both teams

wanted to have the psychological advantage before their Mixed 18 Grand Final on the

Saturday. The final round of the night, Round 3 of the Mixed ‘B’ division, kicked off at

8:40. The main match was between Broome Runaways and Hedland on field1. After a

strong opening to the game the Broome Runaways were able to take a 6-3 lead at half

time. The Broome Runaways were able to replicate their first half when they again put

on 6 touchdowns while improving their defence. It meant that Broom Runaways finished

the Friday undefeated after another 12-4 win. Over on field 2 Broome Pearlers were

able to take a 6-2 win over the Broome Scoredsms after holding only a 2-1 lead at half

time. In the junior ‘preview’ to their Grand Final the Broome Broncos were able to take

the win 7-6 in a very entertaining match. It was the Broome Warriors that led 4-3 at half

time but they were unable to hold on to the lead as the Broome Broncos came

storming home in the second half.

Saturday morning began with the Mixed ‘B’ competition. All teams were looking for a great start in the build up

to the finals. Broome Pearlers started strong with a 7-3 Hedland however the Broome Runaways kept top spot

with a 10-3 victory over the Broome Warriors. The round was completed with a very entertaining between the

Broome Scoredsms and the Broome Broncos 8 all as the Broome Broncos continued their improvement following

the development clinics. There was then an hour break as the teams recharged before heading into their final

round game. There was also the opportunity for the ‘senior’ teams to take part in their own development clinic in

order to strengthen their game before finals. After the break the Mixed ‘B’ teams were ready to begin their final

round games. With both the Broome Runaways and the Broome Pearlers remaining undefeated after four rounds

their match was always going to be the main event. The main half was a very tense affair as both teams had

clearly stepped up their defence. It was the Broome Pearlers that held the slight advantage at half time with a 2-

1 lead. The game opened up in the second half as the players began to feel the effects of such a fast paced

first half. In the end it was the Broome Runaways, with five separate touchdown scorers, that managed to take

the win 6-5 in what looked certain to be a Grand Final preview. In the other round games the Broome Scoredsms

accounted for the junior Broome Warriors 9-6 however Hedland did not have as much ease in their game with

the other junior team, the Broome Broncos. As Broome Broncos were ineligible for finals this was a game for pride

as the winner would finish fourth on the table. The standout player in the game was Kyhannie Hirini for the

Broome Broncos who scored a first half hat trick as the game was locked at 4 all at half time. As the game

moved along both teams tightened up their defence and it took pieces of brilliance from individuals on both

sides to break the defence. In the game of tournament so far it was only fitting that the game finished as a draw

6 each.

In the final game of the Mixed ‘A’ division there were two very intriguing games that

would decide the final standings before the semi finals. In the first game the Mixed ‘A’

Broome teams finally faced each other in what was always going to be a well fought

out match. At half time the Broome Lightning held the slenderest of leads 3-2. In the

second half the Broome Bullets spread the touchdowns around between five different

players whilst also working hard on their defence. Their massive second half effort

meant the Broome Bullets took second place with a 7-5 win. In the final game of the

Mixed ‘A’ division Karratha continued their unbeaten streak with a 6-3 defeat of the

Hedland Cyclones. In what was a much closer game than most expected it was 2 all

at half time and after Hedland opened the scoring in the second half an upset was on

the cards. However, it was Karratha who showed their class to put on four touchdowns

in the second half and finish top of the group. It was then time for the final break of

the tournament before the finals...

THE WA SCOOP

The first semi finals of the 2012 Be Active North West Championships were contested at

12:30 pm in perfect conditions. The first semi final in the Mixed ‘B’ competition looked like it

maybe a one sided affair as the undefeated Broome Runaways took on Hedland who

were coming off a draw against the junior Broome Broncos. At half time the game was

going according to plan as the Broome Runaways raced to a 5-0 lead at half time. With

Hedland’s tournament coming to an end they dug deep and put in a mighty effort in the

second half to hold the Runaways to a single touchdown in the second half. Unfortunately

for Hedland, despite the weight of possession in the second half, they were unable to

break the Broome line as they were defeated 6-0 meaning the Broome Runaways were

the first team in the Mixed ‘B’ Grand Final. This meant that the Grand Final would be an all

Broome affair as Broome Pearlers took on Broome Scoredsms in the second semi final. In a

very entertaining first half there were plenty of touchdowns. On the back of a double to

James Sammons Broome Pearlers were able to take a 6-4 lead at half time. In a mirror of

the first semi final both teams really dug in with their defence and there was only one

touchdown a piece in the second half meaning that Broome Pearlers would join the

Broome Runaways in the Mixed ‘B’ Grand Final after a 7-5 victory.

Next up would see the Mixed ‘A’ semi finals as Broome and Hedland tried to end the reign of Karratha at the North West

Championships. Unfortunately for Broome Lightning after failing to grab a win in the round games they would face

Karratha in the first semi final. Karratha were well aware of the step up required for finals and went into a new gear in

the first half. A first half double to Manunui Tito was overshadowed by a first half hat trick to Jamie McFarlane as

Karratha ran away to an 8-0 lead at half time. As Karratha were full of confidence after again scoring early in the

second half they took their foot off the pedal cruising to a comfortable victory 13-1. This victory would take them to yet

another North West Championships grand final. In the second semi final Broome Bullets were the last hope for the host

affiliate in the ‘A’ division while Hedland Cyclones wanted to ensure that one of their travelling teams contested a

grand final. The game led up to its pre match hype as both teams were excellent in the first half with the scores all

locked up at 3 all at half time. In the second half, however, it was the Hedland Cyclones that showed their extra fitness.

Shaffee Levi grabbed a second half double while Tema King helped himself to a second half hat trick finishing with four

touchdowns for the match. Hedland would eventually be joining Karratha in the Grand Final after a final score of 10-4

over the Broome Bullets.

It was now time for the first Grand Final of the tournament. The Mixed 18 Grand Final between the Broome Broncos and

the Broome Warriors had a very exciting build up as the junior competitors were keen to put what they had learnt over

the tournament, and development clinics, into practise in their first ever North West Championships Grand Final. After

taking the psychological edge in their round game the Broome Broncos took an early lead. The first half was then

dominated by a single player from the Broome Broncos. Kyhannie Hirini scored an unbelievable FIVE touchdowns in the

first half as the Broncos took a commanding 6-2 lead into half time. The Broome Warriors would have to work hard if they

wanted to make a comeback in the second half. This is exactly what happened!!

The Broome Warriors scored three early touchdowns in the second half,

including a double to Wade Clark giving him a hat trick for the match,

reducing the deficit to just one touchdown. This is where the comeback

ended though as Kyhannie scored another two touchdowns to score

an incredible SEVEN touchdowns for the match. After an entertaining

Grand Final it was the Broome Broncos that were crowned Champions

with a 10-8 victory.

Mixed ‘18’ Awards

Grand Final Referees: Aaron Manson, Dainel Aitken and Tim Clear

Runners Up: Broome Warriors

Champions: Broome Broncos

Most Valuable Players: #6 (Broncos) Kyhannie Hirini and #7 (Broncos)

Tomiko Matsumoto

THE WA SCOOP

We began the ‘senior’ grand finals with the Mixed ‘B’ Grand Final between the Broome Runaways and the Broome

Pearlers. The round game between these two teams had been an absolute pearler (again please pardon the pun)

with the Broome Runaways winning that game by a single touchdown. The Grand final went along the same lines

and was a very tense match between two well matched sides. Both teams traded touchdowns and went into

halftime 2 all. After the Broome Runaways put on a couple of early touchdowns in the second half it looked like

they would finish the tournament undefeated and take the championship off their Broome counterparts. The

Broome Pearlers had other ideas and through touchdowns to Joshua John, James Sammons and Edwin Mimi they

managed to take a 5-4 lead late in the match. The match then went to a new level as the Broome Runaways had

set after set attacking the Pearlers line. The match looked certain to go to a drop off but after more than a few

touchdown saving diving touches the Pearlers managed to hold on and were victorious 5-4 in another single

touchdown classic between these two sides.

Mixed ‘B’ Awards

Grand Final Referees: Phil Knight, Steve Lindley and Phil Leach

Runners Up: Broome Runaways

Champions: Broome Pearlers

Most Valuable Players: #1 (Pearlers) Laura Turner and #6 (Runaways) Kaine Frunks

The main event was next with the Mixed ‘A’ Grand Final between the two out of towners Karratha and Hedland.

Karratha have been undefeated at the North West Championships for years and were rightful favourites. On the flip

side Hedland had come a long way to go home with nothing and were ready for the match of their lives. Both

teams certainly delivered and defence was the order of the game in the first half. On numerous occasions both

teams looked certain to score only for time after time a brilliant defensive effort held them out. At half time the

game was on a knife-edge as both teams failed to score a single touchdown in the first half. The first touchdown of

the second half was always going to be crucial and it was representative player Kimberley O’Connor who crossed

first for Karratha. With the impetus gained from this touchdown Karratha stepped up a gear and had quickly pushed

the score out to 3-0 with touchdowns to Fiona Hay and Jarrad Pratt. Credit must be paid to the Hedland Cyclones

who kept pushing all game but were unable to come up with the game breaking play as Karratha again went

through a North West Championships undefeated with a Grand Final victory 5-0. The game was such a tight and

well fought contest that it was only fitting that it was the final game of the tournament.

Mixed ‘A’ Awards

Grand Final Referees: Stuart Evans, Stuart Bonner and Pat Moase

Runners Up: Hedland Cyclones

Champions: Karratha

Most Valuable Players: #4 (Karratha) Kimberley O’Connor and #15 (Karratha)

Manunui Tito

Referee Awards

Most Improved Referee: Tim Clear

Referee of the Tournament: Phil Knight

Col Metcalfe Award: Stuart Evans

The 2012 Be Active North West Championships were then officially closed with a

presentation ceremony and a post tournament function that included the annual

slideshow with photos taken by Energy images.

Touch Football WA would again like to thank Broome Touch Association for all their

assistance and we look forward to seeing all teams back again next year for the

2013 Be Active North West Championships. For all results as well as final standings

please click on the North West Championships logo...

THE WA SCOOP

Broome School Clinics While in Broome for the North West Championships Touch Football WA were able to run numerous school clinics that

all went brilliantly. We went through a range of touch specific skills and drills and fun games to make learning the

game even more energetic. Our first session started off with the Year 3 group at Broome Primary School. All the

children came out to the session full of energy and enthusiasm and that didn’t change when we took the Year 5

Class and Year 7’s as all students were great to work with. In particular two children stood out, Anjo and Raff, with

their giant smiles and perseverance. It was a great pleasure and enjoyment for us to work with these two children.

On a side note both these children use wheel chairs for different reasons but they were determined to have fun and

join in in the true spirit of Touch Football.

Working with the Broome Senior High School and Roebuck Primary for the second time this year was a great

opportunity for Touch Football WA to see how their skills have improved from the last time we were in Broome. The

children did not disappoint. It was a pleasure to see all the students from Roebuck Primary School, Broome Primary

School and Broome Senior High School with smiles across their faces and enjoying themselves. There are some very

talented juniors in Broome with the children showing great dedication and passion. We hope that they will all look to

join their local affiliate: Broome Touch Association.

State of Origin Referees On the 22nd of May the New South Wales Touch Association and the

Queensland Touch Association, on behalf of Touch Football

Australia, announced the referees who have currently been

selected to officiate at the 2012 State of Origin Series.

Touch Football WA would like to offer our congratulations to our

Western Australia representatives Richard McIlroy and Chris Murray.

We know that you will do a terrific job and make the whole state

proud.

The 2012 State of Origin Series will be held on Friday, 21 September

and Saturday, 22 September 2012 at the Port Macquarie Regional

Sports Stadium and will be held in conjunction with the Touch

Football Australia 2012 X-Blades National Youth Championships

event.

WA’s STATE OF ORIGIN REFEREES:

Chris Murray (Middle) and Richard

McIlroy (Right)

Touch Trivia

1) At the 2012 North West Championships from the Mixed ‘B’

Division which two teams were juniors?

2) Which referee won the Col Metcalfe Award at the 2012

North West Championships

3) Who were the Most Valuable Players for the Mixed ‘A’

Division at the 2012 North West Championships?

4) While in Broome Touch Football WA ran school clinics.

Which two children stood out with their enthusiasm??

Answers can be found on our Sponsors page

THE WA SCOOP

Around the Grounds

Kununurra Touch have so far have completed twelve rounds in this being our third mixed season with the top

five teams neck and neck and the bottom five vying for the last finals spot. Werewolves are just in front of Can’t

Touch This and the Red Rebels with the Dingos and Retro Touch a few points further away. Killer Bunz round out the

top six with last year’s Grand Final winners The Black Team struggling with numbers and form and are in the bottom

four just in front of Crazy Horses. Newcomers Kunu Bulls and Team X are giving their best every week with the Bulls

being unlucky a few times not to come away with a win. Our finals are on the 25th June, 2nd July and the Grand

Final will be played out on the 9th July.

ECU Touch’s Wednesday winter season has attracted a record 8 men’s teams, as well as

the usual mixed competition. On Wednesday 4th July we will be running a State of Origin

knockout competition from 6.30-8pm, followed by a replay of SOO Match 3 in our new

clubrooms. Visiting teams or spectators are welcome to attend. Please contact Jeremy via

the club website for more info.

Perth Brothers is in our off season and most of our players have moved onto their winter sports. It

won’t be long until we open up for teams for our next season which starts in October through to

March. We would welcome any new referees and are keen to build our elite grade competition.

We run all afternoon Saturdays from around 2.30pm -6.30pm. We are different than the average

competition as we play two games each Saturday. If you are keen, motivated and 'hard' enough

to commit all summer we welcome your team. We will run a junior competition Saturday mornings

and this is about families and fun. We expect it will be hard to get a place in our competition this

year but if you want to experience 'Brothers Touch' come give it a shot. Email

[email protected]

If you would like to keep the Touch WA Football community updated on your Affiliate please email

[email protected] with a short paragraph by the end of the month

In Issue 6, July 2012 we: Finally get to delve into the Western Tigers AusSquad Academy as well as look at the

Lower South West and Upper North West Development Conferences

THE WA SCOOP

Touch Trivia Answers

1) Broome Broncos and Broome

Warriors

2) Stuart Evans

3) Kimberley O’Connor and Manunui

Tito

4) Anjo and Raff

Meet Our Sponsors