With more than 17,000 people in attendance, the Sharks as part of 340 teams fought to be crowned one of the best Touch Football sides in New South Wales, at the annual State Cup in Port Macquarie last weekend.
The Sharks were well represented at the event, as the Club entered teams in Boys 10’s, 12’s, 14’s, 16’s and Girls 10’s, 12’s, 14’s, 16’s – the most teams ever entered from the Shire.
The eight teams competed well, with the sounds of “Up, Up Cronulla” reverberating around the fields – though far from the Shire – as the young Sharks celebrated success.
The 10’s and 12’s teams in both Boys and Girls were successful in making it through to the final day, a feat not to shake your head at considering most divisions had up to 40 participating teams.
The Sharks Girls Under 12’s team were the standout performers at the weekend, winning their way through to finals day with some excellent performances on days 1 and two, respectively.
A dominant display to beat the more favoured Taree team, the girls booked match-up with long-time Club rivals, the Manly Sea Eagles.
Spurred on by a recent win over the Sea Eagles to claim the Central Coast Championships, the quarter final clash was one much anticipated.
Unfortunately for the Sharks, the girls were unable to put paid to the Manly side, who came away with the victory.
Michael Vehtic, Cronulla Sharks’ Engagement and Pathways Coordinator, was impressed with the Club’s effort in difficult conditions.
“All the teams performed well, and watching our Girls Under 12’s in the showdown with Manly was awesome,” Vehtic said.
“The three-day event is quite gruelling in the heat and most teams play more than seven games, so it was a great effort by all.” Vehtic said.
Cronulla Sharks Womens Rugby League coach Jason Stanton was in attendance and was equally impressed with the squad.
“Touch Football is an extremely fast paced version of footy that requires a high level of skill and decision making,” he said.
“The standard in 2017 was a big jump from last year, and big congratulations must go out to all our players and coaching staff on a great tournament.”
“It was great to see the Club come together as one and cheering each other on. It’s great to see the growth in touch football and having Sharks represented,” Vehtic added.
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