THE first round in the 2023 Sale Touch Association season got underway last Wednesday in ideal conditions, with six teams competing; Phoenix had the bye.

Three new teams, Kitchen Sink, Hussey and Zohan’s competed for the first time.

The Drop Kicks withdrew from the competition at the end of last season; however, a number of their players have joined with Longford to form the Long Drop.

At 6.30pm, Long Drop took on Zohan’s in an even contest, with Zohan’s going down four tries to nine.

The top scorers for Long Drop were Andy Campbell, Jack Neesham, Vi Phuong and Tawh Ashby each making two tries, while Peter Hall made one.

Zohan’s captain, Zoe Curran, was her team’s top scorer with two tries. Chris Lutterl and Izzie Wicks scored one each.

The best players were Neesham, Zac Pattison, Brodie Towers, Curran and Rhiannon Massey, with Georgina Kefaloukos winning the encouragement award.

Porky’s took on Hussey, and it was Hussey’s youngster, Kaidyn Hall, that stole the show with three tries.

Many Purdon was the only other scorer for Hussey.

Albert van de Vyver top-scored for Porky’s with three classy tries.

Mia van de Vyver, Luke Szarek and Soreti Anderson each made two tries, while Taylah Ropeti and Steve Wright each made one.

Best players were Ryan Crause, Andie Schofield, Wright, Ropeti and Amy Purdon.

In the final game, Kitchen Sink defeated an undermanned Mustangs team with 11 tries to three.

At half time it was seven tries to two with the Mustangs only adding one try in the second half.

Marcus Staglia-Smith and Bodhi Banister each made three tries, Macey Zielke and Connor Edwards each made two, and Bridgette McMillan made one.

Edwards is perhaps the fastest player in the competition, as was proven by his long runs down the sideline resulting in his tries.

Best players were Staglia-Smith, Tom Purdon, Patrick Doherty, McMillan and Tara Smeaton.

Round 2 begins tomorrow (Wednesday, February 15) from 6.30 pm, when Kitchen Sink play Phoenix and Hussey play Zohan’s.

At 7.20pm Porky’s play Long Drop, while Mustangs have the bye.