NI Touch - Pasifika Touch Cup 2024
26 March 2024
The Norfolk Island Touch Football Open Men's Team have just made their debut at the Australia - Pasifika Touch Cup last weekend (23 & 24 March 2024) representing Norfolk Island.
This tournament was held in Beenleigh, QLD at the Bill Norris Oval and it is an elite competition for Australian based Pacific Touch players to showcase their talents.
The Norfolk phullas had two intense days of competition, the first day included playing 4 massive competitive games. Kicking off the tournament playing against the Maori team, followed by the Indigenous, Niue and Cook Islands, the reigning 2023 Champions.
We didn't come out with a win on this day but the phullas really gave it their all and really played their hearts out for Norfolk Island. They certainly gave all the teams a good fight and never once did their spirits break.
Coming into the second day, there were some battered and sore bodies but again, they put their whole body and hearts on the line for their island home and the first game of the day, they came away with an extraordinary win against Papua New Guinea. It was a nail biting game and the whole atmosphere was electric from this win.
The last game of the day for the phullas against Samoa had the referees baffled as even though we were behind on the score board the boys were half time pumping themselves up by huddling together and having a grand ol' time singing, break dancing, clapping and cheering each other on. A fresh site for some onlookers.
Our phullas came out in 7th position overall, such great effort, and a massive congratulations to the Maori team being the 2024 champions.
The phullas were so keen to play in this tournament that they paid for their own airfares to get to Australia and registration fees. We were however so fortunate and lucky enough to have sponsorship from these amazing people/businesses: Andrew Barnet from Island Plumbing & Gas, Pat Balmer from Auto Cable & Accessories and James Walden from Beefsteak Homestead to help with other expenses. We cannot thank these wonderful sponsors enough for their generosity and support.
You can watch all the games on YouTube at 'StruddysTV' - We had the delight of Stream Team live streaming the games together with the dream team commentating from 7th Touch.
This is the beginning for us as we work towards our goal of representing Norfolk Island at the Touch World Cup in New Zealand in 2028. Our NI Touch Football dream is to include a Men's, Women's and Mixed touch team to compete.
We are so proud of our phullas and their achievements over the weekend, it was an absolute honor to watch them compete. We look forward to next year.
Be sure to give Norfolk Island Touch Football a follow on Facebook and/or Instagram for up to date information and keep your eye out for future greatness.