THE Port Macquarie Touch Association enjoyed its best ever State Cup campaign on the weekend with a record six teams reaching the tournament’s quarter finals.
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The highlight, however, for the local association was the performance of the senior mixed outfit, who claimed a State Cup crown with a comprehensive 7-3 victory over Lismore.
Despite losses to Taren Point and Forster, the senior mixed side scored victories over Doyalson 4-0 and Peninsula 9-0 to secure a quarter-final berth.
The side eliminated Wallsend 4-2 in the quarter-final and chalked up a similar scoreline against Forster in the semi-final.
Lismore, who knocked out Taren Point 3-2 in the semi-final, was no match for the rampaging Port Macquarie side in the final.
The Port Macquarie team consisted of Julie Seward, Cath Deagan, Leigh Carlton, Megan Davis, Louise Budnick, Steve Hancock, Paul Seward, Wayne Prince, David Pensini, Dennis Green, Tony Carney and Cathy Walsh.
Port Macquarie also had an opportunity to win another two titles but the men’s over 40s and men’s over 45s failed to upset their respective opponents.
The over 40s finished second in their pool and faced Ballina in the quarter-final.
Port breezed through with a 6-4 scoreline and accounted for the highly-fancied Penrith outfit 2-1 in the semi-final to set up a finals berth.
Although Port turned in an impressive effort, Wests manage to claim the crown with a narrow 2-1 victory.
Former State Cup champions, the men’s over 45s, also finished their pool in second place.
The side then eliminated Taren Point 6-1 in the quarter-final and hammered Thirroul 3-0 in yesterday’s semi-final.
But Port Macquarie’s long-time rivals, Newcastle, dashed the local side’s hopes of another title by scoring an entertaining 2-0 win.
Port Macquarie Touch Association president Chris Veech said it had been a great weekend for the local sides.
“It’s the first time in the tournament’s history that Port Macquarie has had six teams in the quarter or semi finals,” Veech said.
“We also had three teams contest the finals with one, the senior mixed side, winning a title - it’s been a very successful State Cup for us.
“The highlights for me, however, were the efforts of the women’s under 23 and men’s over 40 sides.
“The men’s over 40s defeated Penrith 2-1 in their semi-final and only suffered a one point loss to Wests in the final.
“The women’s under 23s turned in a tremendous performance.
“Most of the regular players were away due to ‘schoolie’s week’ and a number of youngsters stepped into the line-up.
“The average age of the side was 15 and they managed to win four matches.
“Their campaign ended against Maitland in the quarter-final but they were far from disgraced.”