An incredible experience. Three words that can sum up the feelings of eight Mudgee touch players who donned the sky blue for their state.
Phil Young, Peter Doherty, David McLean, Roy Prasad joined debutants Paul Bryant, Kimberley King (pictured), Liz Channon and Sally Harris to represent NSW against archrivals Queensland in touch football’s version of State of Origin last month in Coffs Harbour.
And like many of the battles against the neighbours north of the Tweed – this was hard, physical and intense.
“It was honestly the most incredible experience. Every game felt like a grand final,” King said.
“A lot of their players have a long history representing Queensland and even Australia, so it was a real challenge, but one I loved every minute of.”
King played in the women’s 40s division.
Queensland won the opening game of the three-match series 5-4, but NSW fought back to win games two and three, 5-2 and 3-2 respectively, to claim their series 2-1.
King played a vital role in both of her team’s wins.
“I’m actually really proud of how I played,” she said.
“I felt like I was consistent across all my games. I attacked well, took my opportunities to score, and defended with everything I had. I was so determined not to let those Queenslanders beat me.”
Playing in the women’s 35s, Harris’ team won the series in the deciding match with Queensland winning game one 9-8 before NSW bounced back to win games two and three; both by five tries to four.
Channon’s women’s 45s team also had to fight back from losing their opening match, but they won games two and three 5-1 and 4-2 respectfully.
Young, Doherty and McLean were playing in the men’s 65s and they helped with a NSW clean sweep in the division as they won all their matches 3-2, 4-3 and 3-1 respectively.
Prasad was the assistant coach for the mixed open team who claimed their division 2-1 with wins in games one (8-7) and three (9-6).
Unfortunately, Bryant’s men’s 35s team couldn’t make it a perfect record for the Mudgee players as Queensland won their deciding match 8-5.
King said the support back home in Mudgee was tremendous, but it was her entourage of 15 family members who travelled to the event in matching personalised NSW shirts that was the key for her success.
“I can confidently say I had the biggest cheer squad at the whole series,” King said.
“They all travelled, turned up in personalised supporters’ gear, and cheered their hearts out. That was so special and it definitely lifted me and my team.”
