New season of Hedland touch footy begins with flurry of tries

Hedland touch football returned last Wednesday at Marie Marland Reserve with an increase in teams from last season and a flurry of tries.

Reigning champs the Rusty Pipes lost 10-2 to the Conquerors in an upset behind three tries from Bradley Thompson.

Trevor Cook scored three tries for the Nads as they defeated the Emus 11-7 and Phoenix toppled the Wu-Tag Clan 12-10.

Voda van der Merwe was best on ground for the Phoenix with four tries.

The Crazy Horses trampled the Slingers 14-5 with four tries from Travis Hall and seven different try scorers.

Chafing Dreams narrowly got over the Quality Coatings 4-3 in a low scoring affair.

Hedland Touch president Nick Witham was excited for the return of touch and said the league had grown from last year.

“We have done a drive to gain more interest in touch in the town by doing things like the corporate cup and posting more on social media,” he said.

“Next year we are looking to start up a junior competition.”

Witham said he wanted to highlight the importance of referees and how crucial they are to keep the competition going.

“I think a lot of people don’t understand how important referees are to touch football.

“One thing I have been trying to do over the last couple of years is really raise their profile and I always try to acknowledge them, get around them and give them thanks.”

“I’m personally quite passionate about refereeing.. without the referees we wouldn’t be able to play touch at all.”