Scottish Touch Series 2009

3 Feb 2010 @ 10:00 GMT

Apologies for delay in sharing the news, but if you didn't already know - the Scottish Touch Series Champions 2009 were Meerkats!

The Series concluded on 12th September at the Edinburgh Open. Having fought a close battle all season, with the lead changing after each event, it was left as a two way fight between Meerkats and Glasgow's Spiders. Unfortunately with Spiders having some key players unavailable they were unable to enter a team, leaving Meerkats requiring only a couple of series points to claim the title. This they safely achieved with a fine victory in the Shield final giving them 5th place finish in Edinburgh.

/media/uploads/images/Meerkats.jpgOn becoming STS Champions, Meerkats captain Larry Irwin said "It was great to have a series which was closely contested, and we had a great season against Spiders, with the anticipated showdown unfortunately not to be had. It was an excellent opportunity for team across Scotland to develop, by playing in high standard tournaments and also for the top teams to ensure they represent themselves at the four main recognised tournaments, which helps promote the sport for the future."

/media/uploads/images/SixPack.jpgThe Edinburgh Open was a fitting conclusion the season, played in glorious sunshine with some of the best talent in the UK on show. Having visiting sides from England, Ireland and France playing alongside Scotland's finest really forced everyone to up their game. The winning side, Edinburgh's own Six Pack, demonstrated the merits of their development of young talent in Scotland with a fine victory over England Academy. That victory was also enough to push Six Pack into second place in the STS ranking, with Spiders finishing the season in third.

Stirling's Wallace Monumentals secured enough points with victory in the Bowl final to come a very credible fourth place given the small size of their squad, an excellent sign of the development of the sport outside of the larger cities. Hot on Stirling's heels came Aberdeen's Energen Guerillas, being rewarded with fifth place for their top class displays and willingness to travel length of the country to compete.

Outside of the top 5 this year there was a clear demonstration of the benefits to be had by becoming organised clubs with structured coaching of beginners, with Edinburgh's Superhands securing sixth place in their debut season, Aberdeenshire Leopards putting in the miles and coming seventh and Glasgow Lions coming ninth. We also had an English side featuring in the top 10, hailing from Newcastle, Blackadders travelled to three of the four events across their border and were rewarded with eighth place in the series. See the Tournament results page for full results.

The series has been well received across the country and has helped towards the establishment of a more formalised club structure, with improved coaching and development of new players. STS Director, Euan Kerr, said "Congratulations to the deserving winners Meerkats, and thanks to every team that has participated in this fantastic first year of the series. Special thanks reserved for the organisers in each region who have supported the series aims and put on fine tournaments to showcase the sport at its best. I look forward to season 2010."