Coast players have golden touch
GOLD Coast-infused national lineups and ball-melting conditions have conspired to lead Australia to a dominant showing at the Federation of International Touch World Cup.
The six-day Kuala Lumpur event saw 26 nations and 117 teams playing in 11 divisions including men’s, women’s and mixed opens plus masters.
The games were played in hot and humid conditions which forced many of the games to be played in 10-minute quarters with a two-minute extra water break.
The heat played into the hands of the Aussies, with the men’s open side defeating New Zealand 4-3.
Keebra Park teacher and Titans captain Peter Norman, playing in his second World Cup, represented Gold Coast.
In the women’s open match, Australia defeated New Zealand 10-2. Titans player Marikki Watego played her second World Cup on the wing.
Danni Davis, captain of Parramatta’s NRL Touch side, also had a strong game.
The mixed team defeated New Zealand 7-6 with Titans player Michael Singh playing.
Another notable Gold Coast Touch Association representative and junior coach was Leon Skinner in the New Zealand men’s 35 team.
Former Titans NRL captain Scott Prince lined up in the 30s mixed side.