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Europe’s Biggest Mixed Division Club Competition
If proof was needed that Touch is an exploding sport across the UK, the fifth annual Manchester Touch Championships was it.
24 teams made their way from all four corners of the country to William Hulme Grammar School, to firstly pitch their tent and secondly try and stake their claim to a piece of silverware.
Hosted by Manchester Chargers, this year’s competition was the biggest mixed division club competition in Europe, with teams competing in five divisions – men’s, women’s and three mixed (Premiership, Championship and Division 1).
Given the weather conditions of late, there was some concern we may be inventing the new sub sport of underwater Touch, but although conditions underfoot may have resembled more marshland than Touch field in places, the sky stayed dry and judging by the ratio of skins to flesh on display, it was relatively mild too!
In the Mixed Divisions, the 1st Premiership game had to be forfeited, due to a logistical problem (the Scots coach was late!) hence giving the Bulldogs a 5-0 victory, setting them well on their way to dominating the divisions pool rounds. The final allowed the two teams to meet for the first time in the day, and with a great fought battle, Touch Ecosse hung on to an 8 – 6 victory.
Scots representative, accepting the trophy
Chargers were represented in the Championship within the Ba Baas team. They were knocked out in the semi finals by Nottingham Hoods, who despite holding Percy Park Pirates to a draw in the group stages, couldn't contain them in the final. Percy Park Pirates got what they came for, treasure…
Percy Park Pirates, get their treasure winning the Championship division
From the high seas to high scores in Division 1, with two games ending in double figures. Yorkshire Thorns took the title with CSSC Jedis runners up.
Yorkshire Thorns, take the Division 1 top spot.
There was strong competition in the Men’s game, with Figjam and Chargers finishing one and two in the table respectively, after the rounds. Chargers dug deep to win by one touchdown and keep some silverware on home turf.
Chargers Men’s team – Use their home advantage to keep the trophy!
The Women’s Division saw several elite teams battle it out, but of course the final had to be between the Guns and the Roses, fire power proved too much for the thorns though, finishing 4-3 after enthralling 3 v 3 drop-off!
Guns take the trophy over their counterparts
Charger’s fifth annual tournament was not only a resounding success, it highlights the development of the game with elite and social teams playing side by side and more referees honing their skills on the field.
Thanks go to Manchester Chargers, for hosting the tournament, kicking off the season in a great way.
What could round off the day better than a pint while watching England beat Ireland in the Six Nations!
If Carling made Touch Tournaments…
