In an ominous sign for rival NTL teams, the Southern NSW Suns Mens and Womens team took centre stage at the Yass Touch Knockout, winning both the Mens and Womens A Grade divisions last weekend.
The Suns Mens Open side defeated the Dusty Camels from Sydney's Western Suburbs 11-10 in the final.
Led by quality players including Matt Curran, Joel Willoughby, Brad Holden and Andrew Baggio, the Suns held off strong opposition to take the title.
Young guns Jaden Kelly, Scott Naughton and Christian Lotter all debuted for the Suns at Open level, impressing coach Ian Stanley.
For the Dusty Camels experienced Australian representative Tony Eltakchi, along with Nathan Jones and Daniel Rushworth, challenged the Suns into the dying seconds, thrilling the crowd.
The Suns Womens Open team, coached by Tracey Bills, defeated the Subs from Castle Hill 10-7 in their final. Stacey Lapham, Nola Campbell, Debbie Steinhardt and Kerry Wardle led the way for the Subs.
Australian Junior representatives Nicole Beck, Amanda Skwarko and Ashleigh Dobbins all made their debuts at Open level and played extremely well.
In other NTL preview action, the Suns Womens 30's and ACT Womens 20's were both knocked out in the semi finals of the Womens Open, perhaps indicating their preparations for NTL are well on track.
In the Mixed division final the Guns, who had traveled from Bondi for the knockout, proved too strong for Off The Hook from Gosford.
With South Queensland Sharks representatives Amy Fong, Tara Mako and Riki Best in the Guns lineup, as well as Tony Eltakchi and Brad Davids, they took the final 16-7.
Despite the large scoreline, the final was action packed with Off the Hook's quick stepping players such as Dylan Hennessey and twins John and Maurice Kennedy dazzling the crowd, as well as their opposition on several occasions.
In the Mens B Grade final the Hookies Heroes from Temora defeated the Bowral Boys 11-6 for back-to-back titles in the division.
In the Mixed B Grade final Rip It from Penrith defeated the Incredibles 8-5 in the final.
Reperchage Finals results: Womens division: Suns Womens 40's team def the Chosen Few from Greenfield Park 11-2
Mens B division: Mush Nush from Yass defeated the DHL Redbacks from Yass 8-7
Mixed A division: UNSW Bullets defeated the Misfits from Dapto 12-5
Mixed B divisions: Bowral Brumbies defeated the Chosen Few 9-6
Tournament organisers would like to thank the referees who all did a fantastic job over the weekend and helped the event continue it's success. The Knockout was a great benefit for the Yass community bringing an estimated $250,000 in business to the area.
