After 5 years of concerted Touching the men from the Hills may be calling it a day.
Word from inside sources is that the men are starting to look for new challenges.
After losing 7-5 in a tight fought game in their 5th grand final in a row Tuesday night, two of the Touchers stalwarts stood side by side at the presentation asking each other what the emotion was that they felt about going around again next season. At the time the word didn't come to mind but now after a couple of days reflection I feel that word is enthusiasm.
The Touchers do not lack commitment nor competitiveness, that is clearly evident in the manner in which they played Tuesday night.
With almost a full squad there on the night, the was no lack of wanting to get the job done.
Please note that I do caveat all comment made here in stating that is only a C Grade Touch Footy competition we are talking about. However, even at this level the team showed character elements they should all be very proud of. The majority of us struggle day to day with the day to day and I enjoy the diversity of the group in each others 'day jobs'.
Now as I look across the roster I will make a guess at the average age. I think there is a 49, a 47, a 45, a few 43's, a 40 and youngster bulldog at a sprightly 38. I haven't included speedster and team veteran Jonty as after all that time in the hyperbaric chamber, he will live forever.
Average age = 44 years approx
Now I am not looking to present any excuses but just want to highlight the achievements.
I will offer that the average age on the other side of the park was around 20.
Now you can't put wise heads on young bodies, that was clearly evident Tuesday night. But the opposition was faster across the park but they didn't have the skill levels of the Touchers.
The start was fiercely quick, to be expected of a GF.
Scoring first, I think it was BBB, was not expected but set the tone for the first half and had the opponents clearly rattled. Remember things do get heated when each team is this competitive.
Let me assure you that the opponents were more fearful of losing to bunch of ole blokes as we were of their speed and agility.
I can personally state that I was apprehensive of playing. A few reasons, one being that after my previous exploits in GF's I didn't want to have to answer to BBB again. He has this look that rips right through.
The other reason dates back about that age gap of 24 years that I described above. My mates and I played at the Sunday morning Nolans reserve touch footy comp in the late 80's early 90's.
We were fit, quick and that pass that I have been known for was just that little bit sharper and crisper.
One morning we played a team much like the OverTouchers and things were getting heated. One of my friends came across with quite a swagger in life and on the field. Things were getting out of hand when he scored a try and turned to one the opponents and threw the ball at him after scoring. The opponent looked fit and strong but about the age we are now.
As my friend walked away the opponent landed a punch on my friends jaw, breaking it in two places. My friend spent 6 weeks drinking through a straw placed in between the wires that aligned his entire jaw.
The issue did go to court but I don't recall the outcome. It wasn't a nice day and I suggest neither was it for the guy who threw the punch and had to face his family and explain why he king hit a kid on a Sunday morning on a touch footy field.
Tuesday night was just a touch footy game and I felt it best to sit and watch the faster fitter Touchers take on the kids.
The kids did come back after being down 1-4 at half time and that in itself shows character. If our kids were playing would we would not have wanted them to throw in the towel, we would have wanted them to give it their all and fight back to do everything to win? I agree we would hope they would have not displayed some traits but overall I know I would want my kids to dig in. Mind you I feel Chloe might throw a cleaner pass than me these days.
After the game I had a bit of fun when I shook the hand of some of the protagonists. I reminded them that one day they too will be old. They generally smiled and one said 'sorry mate, just too competitive'. I hope he keeps that trait for a few more years as he strives for his goal to play for Manly like his mates who proudly wore their eagles gear as they watched from the sideline.
Whilst things might be coming to an end I want us to remember that we still compete. There are many other guys in our age bracket that cannot play for many reasons and I am damn sure they would want to.
We know we don't play the game the way you are supposed to in Touch. We play an expansive game with those with good hands findings those with speed and presenting them with saloooooon passages to the white stripe.
In the 15-3 semi final victory, there were some great tries and one which I would have loved to called with a Rabbits Warren voice, as we went sideline to sideline with brilliant passing, with the try scored in the far right hand corner; most 44 year old's could never have been able to do that in unison.
I have enjoyed season 14/15 and I want to thank The Chairman for once again organising the team.
Chairman, I have run the back room numbers and there will be no party spill at the next committee meeting, the VC has declined to run I am told. Something about the poor state of his lawn and wanting to focus his efforts on that.
The VC was once again sublime across the park. I do love his pre-game and half time speeches, they make me giggle just a little bit, as never are his directions followed. Well at least we are consistent.
Bulldog, the baby of the team, was once again Mark Waugh like in his smooth movement in attack. Amongst others, I want to thank him for saving my butt in covering for me in defense.
To Kiwi, I speak for all when I say it was great to see you back as a formal Toucher. We may never agree on the measure of brutality in League and Union, but I truly believe your first year of Rugby coaching will inspire a few of those youngsters. There are some coaches you never forget and I am sure you will be one of those for those kids this season.
Dicko it's always a pleasure to play alongside you and drive us to be better. I like the frustration when you call a play in attack or defence and the instructions are not followed. Whilst the mind is strong, in some of us, the legs are weak. It was a long time ago I know, but it is always a good thing when you get to play alongside a player with your resume.
Jonty, coming back after having your arm re-attached with clag glue and cooking string was one of the toughest things I have seen on a C Grade touch footy field. Along with a couple of other Touchers you haven't lost any speed.
Locksmith you will forever be tagged with the moniker of Mr Perpetual Motion. The mad dashes from work have been noted and recorded for future contract negotiations. However, with the diagnosis of Ballesty and Jackett, we suggest you book a meeting with Mrs Milt and have that knee checked out. As I don't see any certificates of any medical class hanging above the office desks of either of us.
To the Sponsor, firstly thanks for the money. It was also great to see you back in the Touching fold. The want to get amongst it when on the field was awesome and with your 12 foot wingspan, I enjoyed being alongside you in defence.
BBB another signature year. There maybe a half a step of pace off the legs but it was fun seeing opponents think about chasing you down but after two steps quickly change their minds as you lit up the grass.
To the Rookie, well after all the taunting, after all the asking for more you hit the mark this season. In my few minutes on the park Tuesday, I embraced your quick thinking when I pointed to the gap you needed to run to and you hit the pass at pace and aggression. I am sure that had the ref gone upstairs to the video ref it would have showed that you scored untouched.
Milt, your few appearances were as usual always enjoyed by all. The corporation understands your time is needed in other parts on Tuesday nights but next season we are gonna ask Dick Smith for his helicopter so you can be shipped in for the games.
Understanding I maybe breaking corporate governance rules but to heck with that, I am declaring that SuperCoach Bill is awarded Players Player of the year. Across the park in attack and defence like the Manly great Terry Randall, ole Bill was popping passes and making full length diving touches like a man many years his junior.
In closing I have looked back to my last story from the previous season and how I described why I played this year. I feel it may still be relevant:
Word from inside sources is that the men are starting to look for new challenges.
After losing 7-5 in a tight fought game in their 5th grand final in a row Tuesday night, two of the Touchers stalwarts stood side by side at the presentation asking each other what the emotion was that they felt about going around again next season. At the time the word didn't come to mind but now after a couple of days reflection I feel that word is enthusiasm.
The Touchers do not lack commitment nor competitiveness, that is clearly evident in the manner in which they played Tuesday night.
With almost a full squad there on the night, the was no lack of wanting to get the job done.
Please note that I do caveat all comment made here in stating that is only a C Grade Touch Footy competition we are talking about. However, even at this level the team showed character elements they should all be very proud of. The majority of us struggle day to day with the day to day and I enjoy the diversity of the group in each others 'day jobs'.
Now as I look across the roster I will make a guess at the average age. I think there is a 49, a 47, a 45, a few 43's, a 40 and youngster bulldog at a sprightly 38. I haven't included speedster and team veteran Jonty as after all that time in the hyperbaric chamber, he will live forever.
Average age = 44 years approx
Now I am not looking to present any excuses but just want to highlight the achievements.
I will offer that the average age on the other side of the park was around 20.
Now you can't put wise heads on young bodies, that was clearly evident Tuesday night. But the opposition was faster across the park but they didn't have the skill levels of the Touchers.
The start was fiercely quick, to be expected of a GF.
Scoring first, I think it was BBB, was not expected but set the tone for the first half and had the opponents clearly rattled. Remember things do get heated when each team is this competitive.
Let me assure you that the opponents were more fearful of losing to bunch of ole blokes as we were of their speed and agility.
I can personally state that I was apprehensive of playing. A few reasons, one being that after my previous exploits in GF's I didn't want to have to answer to BBB again. He has this look that rips right through.
The other reason dates back about that age gap of 24 years that I described above. My mates and I played at the Sunday morning Nolans reserve touch footy comp in the late 80's early 90's.
We were fit, quick and that pass that I have been known for was just that little bit sharper and crisper.
One morning we played a team much like the OverTouchers and things were getting heated. One of my friends came across with quite a swagger in life and on the field. Things were getting out of hand when he scored a try and turned to one the opponents and threw the ball at him after scoring. The opponent looked fit and strong but about the age we are now.
As my friend walked away the opponent landed a punch on my friends jaw, breaking it in two places. My friend spent 6 weeks drinking through a straw placed in between the wires that aligned his entire jaw.
The issue did go to court but I don't recall the outcome. It wasn't a nice day and I suggest neither was it for the guy who threw the punch and had to face his family and explain why he king hit a kid on a Sunday morning on a touch footy field.
Tuesday night was just a touch footy game and I felt it best to sit and watch the faster fitter Touchers take on the kids.
The kids did come back after being down 1-4 at half time and that in itself shows character. If our kids were playing would we would not have wanted them to throw in the towel, we would have wanted them to give it their all and fight back to do everything to win? I agree we would hope they would have not displayed some traits but overall I know I would want my kids to dig in. Mind you I feel Chloe might throw a cleaner pass than me these days.
After the game I had a bit of fun when I shook the hand of some of the protagonists. I reminded them that one day they too will be old. They generally smiled and one said 'sorry mate, just too competitive'. I hope he keeps that trait for a few more years as he strives for his goal to play for Manly like his mates who proudly wore their eagles gear as they watched from the sideline.
Whilst things might be coming to an end I want us to remember that we still compete. There are many other guys in our age bracket that cannot play for many reasons and I am damn sure they would want to.
We know we don't play the game the way you are supposed to in Touch. We play an expansive game with those with good hands findings those with speed and presenting them with saloooooon passages to the white stripe.
In the 15-3 semi final victory, there were some great tries and one which I would have loved to called with a Rabbits Warren voice, as we went sideline to sideline with brilliant passing, with the try scored in the far right hand corner; most 44 year old's could never have been able to do that in unison.
I have enjoyed season 14/15 and I want to thank The Chairman for once again organising the team.
Chairman, I have run the back room numbers and there will be no party spill at the next committee meeting, the VC has declined to run I am told. Something about the poor state of his lawn and wanting to focus his efforts on that.
The VC was once again sublime across the park. I do love his pre-game and half time speeches, they make me giggle just a little bit, as never are his directions followed. Well at least we are consistent.
Bulldog, the baby of the team, was once again Mark Waugh like in his smooth movement in attack. Amongst others, I want to thank him for saving my butt in covering for me in defense.
To Kiwi, I speak for all when I say it was great to see you back as a formal Toucher. We may never agree on the measure of brutality in League and Union, but I truly believe your first year of Rugby coaching will inspire a few of those youngsters. There are some coaches you never forget and I am sure you will be one of those for those kids this season.
Dicko it's always a pleasure to play alongside you and drive us to be better. I like the frustration when you call a play in attack or defence and the instructions are not followed. Whilst the mind is strong, in some of us, the legs are weak. It was a long time ago I know, but it is always a good thing when you get to play alongside a player with your resume.
Jonty, coming back after having your arm re-attached with clag glue and cooking string was one of the toughest things I have seen on a C Grade touch footy field. Along with a couple of other Touchers you haven't lost any speed.
Locksmith you will forever be tagged with the moniker of Mr Perpetual Motion. The mad dashes from work have been noted and recorded for future contract negotiations. However, with the diagnosis of Ballesty and Jackett, we suggest you book a meeting with Mrs Milt and have that knee checked out. As I don't see any certificates of any medical class hanging above the office desks of either of us.
To the Sponsor, firstly thanks for the money. It was also great to see you back in the Touching fold. The want to get amongst it when on the field was awesome and with your 12 foot wingspan, I enjoyed being alongside you in defence.
BBB another signature year. There maybe a half a step of pace off the legs but it was fun seeing opponents think about chasing you down but after two steps quickly change their minds as you lit up the grass.
To the Rookie, well after all the taunting, after all the asking for more you hit the mark this season. In my few minutes on the park Tuesday, I embraced your quick thinking when I pointed to the gap you needed to run to and you hit the pass at pace and aggression. I am sure that had the ref gone upstairs to the video ref it would have showed that you scored untouched.
Milt, your few appearances were as usual always enjoyed by all. The corporation understands your time is needed in other parts on Tuesday nights but next season we are gonna ask Dick Smith for his helicopter so you can be shipped in for the games.
Understanding I maybe breaking corporate governance rules but to heck with that, I am declaring that SuperCoach Bill is awarded Players Player of the year. Across the park in attack and defence like the Manly great Terry Randall, ole Bill was popping passes and making full length diving touches like a man many years his junior.
In closing I have looked back to my last story from the previous season and how I described why I played this year. I feel it may still be relevant:
'To me last night was a celebration of old blokes playing footy together and having a laugh at each others expense. Not many drug free sporting teams anywhere on this great blue planet can state 4 grand finals in a row [NOW 5]. I know the Locksmith will be upset with my acceptance in losing but I will deal with that when he bangs on my front door after he reads this.
Boys that's why I play.'
Yours in looking forward to a life of leisure in retirement
Full Metal
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