As the sun set across McEwen Reserve on Friday night, so did the touch rugby competition in Shepparton.
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The Shepparton Touch Association went out with a bang though, hosting all finals and its presentation night that evening to a large turnout of goose-stepping, flick-passing and try-scoring players, families and friends.
Whether kids were practising their best Benji Marshall impersonation on the sideline, or players were having an influence as strong as Reece Walsh, the touch rugby atmosphere reached its peak as the season’s competitors participated in or witnessed the pinnacle match.
It was the perfect peak of a well-run season, culminating in a fun family evening for those involved in the sport’s inaugural season in Shepparton.
“It was an awesome family atmosphere,” Shepparton Touch Association president Sarah Kautai said.
“It was a great atmosphere under lights, it meant lots of people stayed around.
“We had so many people and families come down, and it finished with a really close grand final.”
After getting by Bomb Squad and The Peaky Blinders in the evening’s semi-finals, Dis’n Dat and Toloa had secured their respective tickets to the grand final following a nine-round regular season.
Dis’n Dat had finished with an unblemished record this season, while Toloa had one loss to the former.
Toloa had defeated The Peaky Blinders in the final home and away weekend to secure second place as both teams entered their penultimate round clash with identical 6–1 records, and on Friday the result was the same.
The Peaky Blinders fought adamantly but were slashed by Toloa 6-4 in the semi-final, while the bright pink uniform-wearing Dis’n Dat caught attention for more than its fluorescent kit, easily defusing and disposing of Bomb Squad 11-2.
As for the grand final, a scenic atmosphere under McEwen Reserve lights left the best until last.
In a close encounter, Dis’n Dat was tested as far as it had been all year, but ultimately it proved it was undefeated for a reason, claiming an 11-7 grand final win.
Two Dis’n Dat members claimed finals MVP awards, Deborah Fili and Joe Delainauluvatu, while Fili and Bomb Squad’s Alo Faitasi scored the competition’s most tries for the season.
Also participating at the blockbuster occasion were four sides that did not make the finals - Individuals, Rivers, Saints and No Try No Cry - for one last barnstorming run to finish their campaigns.
Following the grand final, the STA acknowledged the high turn out of referees for the season, awarding 22 officials with a certificate for their work - over half of which were junior referees climbing the ranks.
“It was great to acknowledge their contribution, and to provide the young refs with the opportunity [to officiate finals],” Kautai said.
“We had over 150 registered players, and we are really proud of this opening season.
“We hope to continue to build touch football in Shepparton into 2026.”
News photographer Megan Fisher was by the try line to capture all the event’s matches and presentation ceremony.