Masters Eden Richards Australia has completed a clean sweep of the Masters Trans Tasman Series, reclaiming the title from New Zealand in dominant fashion to win 12 games to nil. It has been a four-year wait for the Aussies to exact revenge on the Kiwis for New Zealand’s shock win in 2013, but it was worth the wait, with Australia showing no mercy to win every match of every division. The great run of results started in the Women’s 27’s, with Australia putting together three complete performances to win their matches 3-2, 7-1 and 10-3. The 3-2 win in their first match was a defensive contest that could have gone either way, but Australia showed spirit to secure victory and have all the momentum heading into the back-end of the tournament. Bec Oliver capped off a great series to claim the Coaches’ Award, while Nikki Stanley was awarded the Players’ Player. The Australian Men’s 30’s side were just as good in their three games against the Kiwis, winning all three by six touchdowns or more. Australia was simply unstoppable in this division, showing great class to score 36 touchdowns in three matches. New Zealand could not get into any of the three games and the Aussies were deserved winners. Congratulations must go to Nathan Jones who claimed the Coaches’ Award and Khanui Cox who was the recipient of the Players’ Player. The Men’s 40’s competition consisted of three exciting games of Touch Football that again belonged to Australia. The Aussies cruised to three comfortable wins against their rivals, winning 7-3, 10-5 and 9-6 to comprehensively outplay the Kiwis. Chris Benfield was rewarded for his consistent series, winning the Coaches’ Award. Tony Eltakchi was the other to be recognised for his outstanding individual performances, taking home the Players’ Player. Last but certainly not least, the Men’s 50’s series produced three nail-biting fixtures that could have gone either way. The 5-4, 7-5 and 6-4 results all went in Australia’s favour, but New Zealand’s players can hold their heads high. The even contests were a great spectacle for the crowd at Sunshine Coast Stadium and the Kiwis have certainly proven they can match it with the Aussies. David Kafoa had a huge tournament to deservedly win the Coaches’ Award, while John Samin took out the Players’ Player award after leaving everything on the field over the three days. Game One Men’s 30’s: AUS (17) defeated NZ (3) Women’s 27’s: AUS (3) defeated NZ (2) Men’s 40’s: AUS (7) defeated NZ (3) Men’s 50’s: AUS (5) defeated NZ (4) Game Two Men’s 30’s: AUS (11) defeated NZ (6) Women’s 27’s: AUS (7) defeated NZ (1) Men’s 40’s: AUS (10) defeated NZ (5) Men’s 50’s: AUS (7) defeated NZ (5) Game Three Men’s 30’s: AUS (8) defeated NZ (2) Women’s 27’s: AUS (10) defeated NZ (3) Men’s 40’s: AUS (9) defeated NZ (6) Men’s 50’s: AUS (6) defeated NZ (4) Masters Results Keeping In Touch 2016 | 13 IMG002_NSWTouch_Dec17_v3_FILM_R.indd 13 28/11/17 4:21 pm