The Burdekin Touch Association wrapped up another thrilling season a couple of weeks ago with the men’s and ladies’ open grand finals, showcasing fast-paced competition, athleticism, and community spirit.
A large crowd of enthusiastic spectators gathered to witness a display of attacking flair, tactical gameplay and gritty defence across all grades. Seven men’s and two women’s grand finals were contested, providing a high-energy spectacle that capped off the season.
In the Men’s A Grade final, Crocs proved too strong for Alliance Pharmacy, taking out the title with a commanding 10-6 victory. Dylan Doak delivered a standout performance, crossing for four touchdowns and being named Player of the Final.
Crocs then made it a grand final double, edging out Eathorne’s Princesses 6-4 in a tightly contested Women’s A Grade showdown. Ani Naque scored a hat-trick of touchdowns, while Martina Monday’s all-round effort earned her the Player of the Final honours.
The Men’s B Grade final was one-sided, with Touch Me blanking His Haas 9-0. Leylan Lampton and KJ Zaro starred for the victors, with Zaro receiving the Player of the Final award.
In the Women’s B Grade final, Smiling Assassins held off a spirited challenge from First in Physio to claim a 3-1 win. Louise Groth impressed for the Assassins, earning the title of Player of the Final.
The Men’s C Grade final saw One Touch, led by Michael Taylor, overpower Teamo Supremo 8-3 in a commanding performance.
In D Grade, the experienced Creampuffs outclassed the youthful Slush Puppies 5-3. Landon Chatfield dazzled in attack and defence, scoring twice and securing Player of the Final recognition.
Nutek Titans put on a clinic in the Men’s E Grade final, dismantling Renegades 12-2 in their best performance of the season. Eight different Titans players got on the scoreboard, underlining their depth and teamwork.
In the Men’s F Grade, Onside saved their best for last—winning their only game of the season when it mattered most. They defeated Formidables 9-5, with veteran Kaddy Zaro—who came out of retirement this year—scoring three touchdowns and earning Player of the Final.
The final match of the night saw Touch n Go claim the G Grade title with a 10-3 triumph over Shake n Bake. Kyle Vitty was electric, scoring four touchdowns and picking up the Player of the Final award.
Touch Association President Peter Knapton congratulated all teams for an exciting and well-contested season.
“Thanks go to the referees who officiated throughout the season, Scotty in the canteen, Bob and Ian for line marking, and the Lewis’s for keeping the fields the best Touch fields in North Queensland,” he said.
Final Results:
Men:
A Grade: Crocs 10 (D Doak 4, J McIvor 2, T Heron, S McIvor, J Henaway, C Noah) def Alliance Pharmacy 6 (J Power, M Watson, J Olsen, J Searle, B Vasta, J Furnell) – Player of Final: Dylan Doak
B Grade: Touch Me 9 (L Lampton 3, KJ Zaro 2, J Profke, H Lammon, J Campbell, D Certanovic) def His Haas 0 – Player of Final: KJ Zaro
C Grade: One Touch 8 (S Smith 2, A Mottin 2, J Jones, M Taylor, R Taylor) def Teamo Supremo 3 (L Chapple, J Moustakas, J Thomassen) – Player of Final: Stephen Smith
D Grade: Creampuffs 5 (L Chatfield 2, P Knapton, J Lacey, B Cavanagh) def Slush Puppies 3 (D Woods, M Ahearn, C Becke) – Player of Final: Landon Chatfield
E Grade: Nutek Titans 12 (S O’Rourke 2, L Olditch 2, C Reid 2, L Howard, C Cooke, M Nicolaides, L Franklin, P Baxter) def Renegades 2 (S Andreatta, T Vettovalli) – Player of Final: Campbell Cooke
F Grade: Onside 9 (K Zaro 3, L Lampton, B Chapman, M Chapman, T Cordie, T Lammon) def Formidables 5 (R Petersen 2, R Dobe, A Brown, A Innes) – Player of Final: Kaddy Zaro
G Grade: Touch n Go 10 (K Vitty 4, R Palmer 3, C Saxby) def Shake n Bake 3 (S Pensini, P Jerkic, A Power) – Player of Final: Kyle Vitty
Ladies:
A Grade: Crocs 6 (A Naque 3, A Olsen, C Conway, J Sutherland) def Eathorne’s Princesses 4 (R Sartori 2, A Cornford, N Lacey) – Player of Final: Martina Monday
B Grade: Smiling Assassins 3 (L Groth, N Williams, A Lynch) def First in Physio 1 (F Ghee) – Player of Final: Louise Groth
Season Best and Fairest Awards:
Men:
1st – Ezra Henaway
2nd – Landon Chatfield
3rd – Rowan Petersen and Logan Guglielmana
Ladies:
1st – Tramayne Horan
2nd – Lataiah Trindle
3rd – Brooke Cavanagh
The Burdekin Touch Association looks forward to building on this season’s momentum and welcomes players and supporters back for more action next year.
Contributed with thanks to Amity Cornford.
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