Australia's Semi Final Clean Sweep Overshadowed by Epic Philippines Upset

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Timestamp: Sun 14 May 2023, 07:07 AM

Australia went 5 from 5 in Semi Finals action today, but it was the Philippines that had the whole touch-world talking after their epic extra time upset in the Mixed 20s division which will see the Asian nation compete in their first Grand Final tomorrow.

The PainAway Australian Emus remained undefeated in all divisions heading into the Semi Finals this afternoon. There were several strong performances throughout this morning's matches, but Rhani Hagan and Caitlyn Blade stood out above the rest, both scoring a remarkable 7 tries in their respective round games.

Our Mixed 18s secured Trans-Tasman bragging rights in game 2 of their best of 3 series against New Zealand. In an entertaining match, both sides were unable to be separated at the half, with Kiwi’s strong defence on show in the first half. However, as the game carried on, Australia's attacking prowess came through, ensuring the first title of the weekend went the way of the Aussies. Flynn Madders leading the way for his team with a hat-trick.

A fast paced, clinical performance in the Boys 18s helped book their spot in the Grand Final tomorrow. The Fijians were gallant in defeat but ultimately the swift, energetic and multi-pronged attack from the Emus was too much to handle for the emerging Fijians. Sam Sheppard's agility and footwork stood out for the Aussies as the young Queenslander impressed with 5 tries to his name.

Arguably one of the strongest Aussie Youth teams in recent memory, our 18s girls defeated Singapore 25 tries to 0. The Singapore girls battled hard all day and no doubt learnt plenty but found themselves on the wrong side of history with Australia equaling the all-time winning margin for their division (25 - 0 vs USA 2018). It was a complete team performance from the Emus with Elise Simpson adding 4 tries to her tally.

In the Mixed 20s, Australia were relentless as they defeated Samoa 15 tries to 4. Christopher Lennons was again on show, as he added another 3 tries to his tournament tally. However, the action on field 1 stole all the headlines and will be retold for many years to come as the Philippines pulled of an all-time upset, defeating New Zealand 8 tries to 7. In the moment of the tournament, the young Philippines side held their nerve in a tense drop off, in what will go down as momentous game in the history of the sport and Philipino Touch Football folk law.

Following the drama of the Mixed 20s, the penultimate match of Day 2, saw our Emus Womens 20s comfortably qualify for the Grand Final tomorrow with a 20 - 3 win over a gallant Fiji. Lauren McCurley and Charlotte Vandermeer led the try scorers with 6 tries apiece ensuring the Aussies continued their flawless campaign with one game to play. The win sees the Aussie Womens 20s program reach 30 games without defeat, a record dating back to 2009.

Australia completed the Semi Final clean sweep after beating Papua New Guinea 15 tries to 1 in the Mens 20s in the final game of day 2 . Exciting youngster Cuban Porter-Sheen scored a hat-trick, in what will be an ominous sign for tomorrows event closer against the Kiwis.

Make sure to tune in tomorrow to watch all the Grand Final action.

Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup Grand Finals

Girls 18s - Pain Away Australian Emus vs New Zealand (9.00am AEST)

Boys 18 - Pain Away Australian Emus 16 vs New Zealand (10.00 AEST)

Mixed 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus vs Philippines (11.00am AEST)

Womens 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus vs New Zealand (12.00pm AEST)

Mens 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus vs New Zealand (1.00pm AEST)

Day 2 Results

Boys 18s - Pain Away Australian Emus 18 defeated Fiji 0

Mixed 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 16 defeated Samoa 4

Girls 18s - Pain Away Australian Emus 21 defeated Singapore 2

Womens 20s - Pain Away Australian Emus 19 defeated Papua New Guinea 2