Emus Complete Clean Sweep of Inaugural Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup

Author
Timestamp: Sun 14 May 2023, 04:00 PM

The PainAway Australian Emus have added six youth division titles to their trophy cabinet following the three opens titles obtained less than a month ago in a clinical final day performance at the inaugural Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup (APYTC).

18s Mixed

After clinching the 18s Mixed title on Saturday, the Emus were focused on obtaining a series clean sweep in the first match on Sunday morning. The Kiwi’s, with pride on the line, opened the scoring and a strong defensive effort by both teams saw the sides level at 4-4 at the interval.

The second half quickly turned into a shootout as both sides traded attacking blows. NZ Captain Jonty Pickworth had given the Kiwis the lead late in the game, but a swift response from Kate Hammond forced yet another drop off between the two nations. A costly ball handling error from the Kiwi’s off the tap gifted the Aussies possession who kept their composure to secure the win, with Flynn Madders having another outstanding game in the middle. The win saw the Emus clinch the 18s Mixed Series 3-0.

18s Girls

In the 18s Girls Grand Final, the Emus showed their dominance in this division led by their attacking weapons Mackenzie Davis and Rhani Hagan who proved too powerful for the young New Zealand side. The 13 - 3 result capped off what has been a remarkable campaign for the young Australian side, producing some incredible touch football throughout the weekend. Classy from the first set, the future of women's Touch Football in Australia is looking very bright.

18s Boys

Out for revenge for the round defeat to the Emus, New Zealand were relentless throughout the 18 Boys Grand Final. The game was intense right from the tap off, as the sides traded tries in a physical opening few minutes. Flashy footwork from Blaise Prendergast late in the first half gave the Emus the slight lead, (5-4) heading into the break. Whatever rev up Coach Karley Banks gave at half-time clearly worked as the Aussie’s came out firing early in the second half, scoring three successive tries in as many minutes which provided them with the buffer that the Kiwis were never able to recover from. The speed and agility of Sam Sheppard and Bailey Deakin helped give the Aussies the edge.

20s Mixed

In the most anticipated game of the day, the Philippines playing in their first ever international Grand Final at any level played with their heart on their sleeves and the hopes of a nation behind them. Any hopes of an international fairytale were quickly dashed however, after a blistering start from the steely home side with the Aussies proving to be a class above running out winners 18-4. The Philippines lost no friends however in what no doubt will be the story of the year and re-told for many years to come.

20s Women

The penultimate game of the day saw the Emus defeat New Zealand 12 – 2. In a remarkable streak, the win takes the Aussies to 31 consecutive victories in this division, signifying the incredible depth of Women’s touch in this country. Captain Lala Duff was strong again capping off a memorable month for her with victories in both the Opens and 20s Women's sides. Try scoring machine Caitlyne Blade added another 3 tries to her tally, summarizing a momentous campaign for the young Emus side.

20s Men

As many expected, the Mens 20s was an fast paced encounter and a fitting closing act to the tournament. The Emus came out strong with 3 quick tries in succession, but to their credit the Kiwis rallied to level the scores at 3-3 before the half. In the second half however, Australia flexed their attacking muscle, running away with the match with a 12 – 3 result. Jardel Bob led by example with a captains knock, as the exciting youngster backed up a strong showing at the Opens Trans-Tasman by leading his side to international glory.

The clean sweep ensured Australia were crowned the champion nation for the first ever APYTC, holding us in good shape ahead of the 2024 Touch World Cup and ensuring plenty of selection headaches for the coaching staff.

There will be plenty of stories and moments to discuss over the coming weeks and months, as we celebrate the return of international touch football at the youth level in style.

The best part undoubtedly was seeing international youth Touch Football well and truly back and the smiles on players and officials from all nations. After all, win, lose or draw that’s what’s it’s all about.

Men's 20s

Pain Away Australian Emus 12 defeated New Zealand 3

Final Standings: