Vawdon Cup 2023 Wrap
We had a record number of teams participate in the Vawdon Cup metropolitan representative competition across NSW.
- Men's Div 2 - Semi Finalists
- Men's Div 4 - Quarter Finalists
- Men's Youth B - Champions
- Women's Div 2 - Grand Finalists
- Women's Div 3 - Grand Finalists
- Women's Youth - Quarter Finalists
Let's hear from some of our teams' representatives on how their team went during the Vawdon Cup campaign.
Mens' Division 2
Head Coach Mick McDonald's Last Word
Well another Vawdon Cup has come and gone, with the Balmain Tigers Mens Div 2 enjoying a sensational experience to be Minor Premiers leading into the semi final series. The mix of experienced and younger players allowed the team to play an open style of touch, both successful and great to watch. Whilst the season ended in the semi final the team helped make Balmain Touch proud, and blended with the efforts overall from the womens and mens opens as well as the Girls and Boys Youth League teams.
The Vawdon Cup campaign saw significant improvements with the younger players and the emerging leadership of Flynn Leaver. Whilst each player deserves special mention, the emergence of Oscar Moore, graduating from Youth League to play the final series in the opens Div 2 team. Prior to his injury Alex Lorenzelli provided great support and leadership, the injury taking the finals series away from him.
To the committee thank you showing us the Balmain Touch support in the Vawdon Cup season.
Mens' Youth B - Champions
Women's Division 2
Head Coach Sharlene Wong's Last Word
2023 Div 2 Runners-Up – Lost to Carlingford 6 – 7
This team was such a surprise packet and over-achieved to the point of being confident of playing finals footy, finishing third after the round stages. Unfortunately, the grand final was not to be, going down by 1 in the last second. The girls showed extreme resilience and teamwork to make it this far. We were all disappointed with the overall result, and just showed how much they had grown throughout the season. A team, purposely, registering only 10 senior players with the rest of the team made up of a mix of the Youth girls, turned up week after week. We welcomed Ally Beaufils and Makayla Ward back to the 'ambush', our ex-juniors, who have come back better than ever. The team were aptly lead by our rising stars Ellie Barnett and Presley Large, and it was exciting to watch them play week by week.
Considering the talent we have at the club, these girls are looking to step up a notch and test themselves in a higher division next Vawdon Cup. The hunger has only increased and we are looking forward to testing ourselves against the best. Our Youth are our driving force, and there are a lot of talent coming through the ranks, it is an exciting time for the womens' program at Balmain Touch.
I'd like to thank the Executive committee, Ben Jones, our representative administrator, assistant coach Akapon Sae-Lieo, and our super-detailed manager, Aimy Le. The support from within the club has been astronomical.
Womens' Division 3
Head Coach Paul Wines's Last Word
So near and yet so far
2023 Div 3 Runners-Up – Lost to Hornsby 5 – 3
The Women’s Div 3 team showed remarkable progress over the course of the year. Comprising mostly newcomers to representative touch, a few transitioning from juniors, and seasoned players, the squad boasted a diverse mix of ages and experience levels. Despite these differences, the team clicked, forging friendships that can only be achieved through playing a team sport with people who genuinely like each other.
Our season commenced with the bare 14 players, but a couple of unfortunate season ending injuries reduced our numbers to 12 by the fourth round. The absence of these players was keenly felt, particularly in our grand final defeat. Various smaller injuries and life's demands often left us short-handed during games and training sessions. Nevertheless, each player, whenever on the field, was fully committed to the cause. The resounding 6-0 victory against Carlingford in the preliminary final showcased the strength of our team.
Rather than singling out individual players for special mention, I want to emphasise that our success was a team effort. A big thankyou to Alice Ferguson for her efforts as manager and sounding board, as well as to Tony Bignold for his unwavering support on behalf of the club throughout the year.
Armed with the lessons learned this year, I am confident that every player will step onto the field for the Tigers next year as better players. Coaching this team was a pleasure. I really enjoyed being part of it.
Paul Wines (Winesy)
Womens' Youth
Head Coach Alec Fitzgerald-Muir's Last Word
The youth girls had a fantastic season. Finishing in 3rd place in the div 1 youth league comp with 6 win and 3 losses. The team was sadly knocked out in the semi finals in a heartbreaking double drop off game (8-7) against the Renegades. Although the season didn’t finish how the girls anticipated, they never went down without a fight and always played with that well renowned tiger spirit. I am so proud of this group. I feel honoured and blessed to coach such a talented, dedicated and dynamic group of young women. The future is bright at Balmain!