“From a sport’s perspective, the 30-year existence of the Yass KO has been an important stop on the sport’s cultural journey and one that is the essence of what Touch is all about,” said Dean Russell current head of NSW Touch and one of the event’s early participants and advocates. On the other side of the draw, some amazing women’s teams have also beat a regular path to the old town. The NSW Mavericks, South Australia and Alliance women’s sides along with the famed Shark Attack girls from Cronulla, headlined by the marvellous Maher family, have all embraced and chased the fun, the titles and prize cheques on offer. Edith Nathan who marshals regularly the Te Whanau teams from Manly in Sydney was effusive in her praise. “The knockout tournament has always been really exciting to play in; camping around the fields is the best part of the tournament,” she said. For those there purely for the social delights, and they come in their droves, look no further than the London-based ‘Hot Custard’ outfit that are planning to bring two teams in 2018. Formed out of the Old Dart as a netball club 13 years ago, they have slowly become an international brand and you could say attraction. For one of the Hot Custard’s head honchos, David Diack, “it is the perfect blend of top quality touch played in the right social spirit.” The Saturday night break across the several local establishments and on the event camp/party site is generally the salve that all crave, especially after the scorching heat of the day. Thankfully, now with heat policies, better balanced draws and mandatory drinks breaks, the players comfort is a little more assured and all manner of ice baths and mini pools adorn the tent city precinct. But with any southern summer, also comes the obligatory southerly ‘buster’; which would generally also arrive right on cue as the last games of the Saturday are about to take place. For those that recall playing the 2013 Knockout, the tiered levels at Walker Park resembled a cascading waterfall, such was the sudden monsoonal downpour and as locals say, “a 40 to 50-year event”. The need for fluids is important, but this was ridiculous. Now sights are fixed firmly on the 30th year celebrations. To the late Jim Beck, the hard-working Yass Touch Committee, ably led by ‘the Wise-man’, and all participants over time that are part of the event and sport’s fabric, thanks for the memories. Join in the conversation to share your own stories and photos on the Yass Touch Football Association facebook page. Or email directly Rodney.wise50@bigpond.com Keeping In Touch 2016 | 5 IMG002_NSWTouch_Dec17_v3_FILM_R.indd 5 28/11/17 4:21 pm