Touch exponents peddle their wares in fine spirit

Throwbacks won the Awanui touch tournament played in fine midsummer conditions on Sunday, after taking out Algeezys in a nail-biting finale by 3-2.

The event was organised on behalf of the Awanui rugby club by stalwart Keryn Pivac and Haru Kernan, the former noting both teams featured a number of familiar faces often seen playing each over the years in the finals of the various Far north touch modules.

Pivac noted the Maori Smurfs and K-Hill also had a great run on the day, the Smurfs coming out on top following a close game in the 3rd/4th playoffs.

The event began on the Kaitaia College top fields in showers at 10am with the weather soon clearing and putting on a balmy breeze from the southwesterly quarter, and sunshine, on a fast, hard and dry track. Pivac said she was rapt with the turnout and proceedings; and showed real championship spirit after finishing the day with a broken ankle suffered while playing in one of the main event's quarter-finals.

Despite having to adapt to getting around on crutches yesterday, and admitting she was still in a bit of pain, Pivac said she was "really happy" with everyone's efforts, game play, determination and spirit throughout the entire day.

"All teams showed great sportsmanship, had a lot of fun, helped each other out, pushed each other, challenged each other, smiled and peddled through the day in great spirits. Each team provided great referees that helped make the day run smoothly. The day was buzzing and I look forward to the years to come."

Pivac's standout teams included the likes of Pimp my Team and Nonunonu, where Pep Adams and Eddie Evans respectively had their children running circles around some sides.

"Great to see. These children are our future sports stars and having kids as young as 8 out there with their boots on was just great!"

Individual standouts were, Sportsmanship: Ronald Parker, Best step: Krystal Murray, Best players: Shelford Murray (male), Shayna Rogers-Christensen (female), Nikora Adams (boy), Kimiora Adams (girl), Best Dressed (for wearing shorts high and basketball singlet tucked in): Denny Windelborn, Angus Guy of the day: Shane Sun; along with Kelli Aspin, a Far North girl visiting from Auckland, and Jess Neho, another homegirl "back from Oz".

On behalf of Awanui rugby fraternity, Pivac sent a giant thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful day.

"We raised some money toward our JMB and senior rugby costs for 2014 and we are very grateful for today's spirit and effort made by all."

The above event was initially supposed to be played at the Awanui Sports Complex but with that venue undergoing field maintenance, it was transferred to the nearby primary school before organisers applied to have the event run at Kaitaia College.