The Kiwi touch team came so close but were beaten in the finals of the Shanghai Spring Touch Competition by S2M 4-2. S2M played well and put a lot of pressure on the Kiwi’s.

Controversy entered the mix when a penalty was given to the Kiwi’s when John Woodberry sliced through the defense like a hot knife on butter in humid 30 degrees heat only to stand on the try line attempted to waste time. The ref indicated to place the ball down so play could continue. Woodster probably didn’t hear the call so a penalty was awarded.

This didn’t affect the end result though as Nick Zinner scored the final try showing his pace and fine diving skills to inflict the only defeat of the season at the worst possible time.

S2M played better and had a superior defense pattern. Full credit and congratulations to S2M!

Many thanks to the refs Rob McLachlan and Dave Benham and to the organisers of the Shanghai Spring Touch League.

Normal social touch resumes with a possible Autumn league in the planning stages so stay tuned for more exciting touch action in Shanghai!

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