Last Thursday played host to the 2015 Forbes Touch Association Grand Finals in what could only be described as warm but perfect playing conditions. Having had to back up from the Monday night semi-finals, all players seemed excited at the prospect of being named premiers in their respective divisions.
Mixed divisions saw five grand finals contested and having refereed division three, all teams were out to gain the upper hand very early on. In what was some very entertaining touch footy the division three grand final ended up going into extra time in a drop off scenario. BD’s scored in their first set of six and unfortunately Anytime Fitness were unable to get over the line in their corresponding attacking set and lost the game 12-11. Other mixed winners on the night were Forbes Inn Allsorts, Touch Stars, Out of Touch and CS’s.
The B grade men’s and women’s finals were fast paced, exciting and played in the spirit of the game. Kitchen’s Plus went through the regular season unbeaten and were the clear favourites going into the nights main game. To their credit, the young members of Larrikins put a great fight and made the opposition work hard for every metre on the field. Kitchen’s Plus ended up going on to win 3-1. 13 Broke girls won the women’s B grade final.
Finally in the A grade divisions our winners were again two undefeated teams in both divisions being Team X in the women’s and Orcher’s Shearing in the men’s who will go down as the 2015 champions. The ladies in the women’s final played extremely well and the standard of play in both the A and B grade finals was exceptional. With a lot of junior girls coming through I think we are looking at some quality competition in the future. Claudia Lovett was named player of the final in the A grade women’s division.
The men’s A grade final was one of the fastest games of touch I have seen in my time in Forbes. The level of skill was excellent and despite the score line blowing out the boys from Walkers Ag N Vet can walk away knowing they gave it their all. Tyson Reweti was named player of the final. I want to thank each and every player that has come along each week this season and pulled on the boots to have a run around. Our numbers continue to rise and the competition is getting harder and harder each year. To all the parents and guardians that have supported their children this year I also thank you because without this next generation we won’t have a competition.
In closing, I would also like to thank the committee for their tireless work in all areas of the competition. With the inclusion of Hannah and Jared this year, our little committee continues to strive towards making each and every week an enjoyable yet competitive season for all participants. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you all on the touch fields in 2016.