Emus unflappable on day 1 of Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup

The inaugural Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup got off to a blistering start today for the Pain Away Australian Emus, winning all their matches on day 1 including several tight Trans-Tasman match-ups to conclude the day.

The morning games saw Australia and New Zealand exhibit their respective firepower as both nations started their campaigns in the best way possible, going undefeated in the initial two rounds of games. Headlined by powerful showings from Christopher Lennon, Zayne Cox and Cameron Cloey, the Australians demonstrated their attacking prowess before the mini Trans-Tasman got underway.

The Mixed 18s laid the foundation in a tight tussle between the traditional rivals with the two sides regularly trading blows throughout the game. Kiwi, Tomai Collins-Taiapo was a standout performer with 5 tries to his name, but come the full time siren, the Emus secured game 1 in their best of 3 series by the narrowness margin. Late tries to Mac Nolan and Claudia Wheatley sealing a 12-11 win.

In the Boys 18s division, Australia took the win 9 tries to 4, thanks to a strong first half performance. The Kiwis came out firing in the second but it was too little too late, as tries to Blaise Prendergast, Liam Barnes and Taimana Elers ensured that the young Aussie side would finish day 1 atop of their division. 

The 18s Girls continued the Australian momentum, as they took out their contest 14 tries to 1. Amongst an abundance of exceptional individual performances, it's debutant captain Mackenzie Davis who stole the headlines, as her commanding attacking display, caps of a successful first day for her. 

In the first of the 20s divisions games, the Mixed side were triumphant 11 tries to 4. A tight tussle to start, the class of the Australians was too much to handle as they ran away with the win. Intense from the get go, the Emus prevailed thanks in part to a hat-trick from dynamic New South Welshmen, Christopher Lennon. 

Following on from their 18s counterparts, the Australian Womens 20s produced a clinical display to defeat New Zealand 7 tries to 1. Dazzling footwork and playmaking ability from Tayla Sykes helped lead the way for the Emus side.

The Men's 20s match and final game of the day was a highly entertaining encounter with Australia narrowly edging out the Kiwis 7 tries to 6. The two sides couldn't be separated heading into halftime in a fast-paced match. 5-all heading into the break, the second half was just as swift, despite the limited number of tries. The agile Alex Condon lead the way for his side with a double which proved to be the difference.

The Emus will be looking to carry this momentum heading into the final round robin games and Semi Final action tomorrow. 

Tune in from 8:50am AEST for day 2 of the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup. 

Day 1 Results 

Girls 18s - Pain Away Australian Emus 18 defeated Cook Islands 2

Mens 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 25 defeated Fiji 3

Boys 18s - Pain Away Australian Emus 16 defeated Cook Islands 3

Mixed 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 15 defeated Phillipines 9

Womens 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 20 defeated Fiji 1

Mens 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 18 defeated Papua New Guinea 3

Mixed 18s - Pain Away Australian Emus 12 defeated New Zealand 11

Boys 18s - Pain Away Australian Emus 9 defeated New Zealand 4

Girls 18s - Pain Away Australian Emus 14 defeated New Zealand 1

​Mixed 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 11 defeated New Zealand 4

Womens 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 7 defeated New Zealand 1

Mens 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 7 defeated New Zealand 6