Wollongong Touch Association has capped a memorable 2019 State Cup by claiming the Ron Andrews Shield for the third consecutive year! This is an unprecedented achievement, made possible by strong performances from all teams – including an amazing Grand Final win to the Devils Women’s 30s. Read more for details.
Congratulations to all teams, coaches and referees for an outstanding club effort at the 2019 State Cup at Port Macquarie. WTA fielded five (5) teams, which was an impressive effort in itself. But for the third year in a row, the club claimed the Ron Andrews Shield for the Best Country Club – an historic achievement which has never been done before!
After nearly five years apart, a group of Devils who started their touch journeys together as teenagers rejoined one another in the Seniors division. Half a decade and almost a dozen kids later – the Women’s 30s team (pictured) enjoyed Grand Final success once again, beating the Cronulla Sharks 5-3 in the decider, with Jessica McCall taking our Player of the Final. WTA congratulates these players and coaches on their success and we look forward to where this team will go in the future!
The future also looks bright for the Women’s Open program. With vocal kids of their own coming along in support, the girls were pipped at the post in their Bowl semi-final against Hornsby, going down by 1 on the full-time hooter. Featuring current Wollongong juniors Ruby Sargent-Wilson, Taylah Vella, Mackenzie Ford and Imogen Mackinley there is plenty to look forward to with this team.
The Men’s Open A side bowed out in the quarter-finals against eventual Champions Hornsby Lions. This side is littered with veterans like Bart Hill, Matt Tope, and Terry Deegan while emerging local juniors Jackson Haynes, Corey Bamford and Max Devlin all starred in their first Premier League State Cup tilt.
Despite qualifying for the Men’s Open B Championship division, our Division 1 Men’s team missed out on a finals appearance. Drawn in a tough pool for Saturday’s qualifying matches, the side brought home the Sopher-Turton Trophy by beating next-door neighbour Albion Park on Friday, while Trent Ryan took out Players Player.
Qualifying in the Plate competition, the Devils Men’s Open 2 side finished third in their pool, narrowly missing out on a finals appearance, which would potentially have seen them line up against Albion Park. It wasn’t to be for the side, which also featured a mixture of seasoned, long-time Devils, as well as a handful of State Cup debutants including Pat Rochaix and Brodey Fien.
