IN PICS: Zurich Corporate Touch 6s title

Sport360 staff 16:52 27/02/2017
Savills celebrate.

Core Savills took part in a gruelling six matches on Friday, before beating Alec in the men’s final 6-3 to become the first team in the history of the Zurich Corporate Touch 6s to successfully defend their title.

The victors, led by David Abood, had to contend with a record number of teams taking part in the event to clinch the much-coveted Winners’ Cup.

Team captain David said: “Coming back to the tournament for the second time, we were feeling the pressure to defend out title. We didn’t have as many substitutes this year and the competition was much harder than 2016, but the guys worked hard and did us proud!”

“The tournament has grown a lot since 12 months ago and we want to say a special thanks to all the referees, who were amazing. It was a fantastic day and we definitely plan to come back next year to try and secure a hat trick.”

In the mixed teams’ category, the Saudi Scorpions fought their way to a tense 3-1 victory over tournament newcomers Emirates in their final game, which saw them lift the Mixed Team Winners’ Cup for the first time.

Team captain Trish Maru (48) said: “I’m so proud of the team, who totally exceeded all of our expectations. Emirates were very tough competitors and we actually lost against them when we played each other in the opening round, so we were nervous to face them again. However, we were very determined and focused on the end result and this obviously paid off.”

The Female Player of the Tournament accolade was awarded to Hattie Witty, who played for Zurich, while the Male Player award went to Robin Stewart of last year’s mixed team champions Atkins. Both showed great determination, skill and enthusiasm throughout the tournament on behalf of their respective teams.

Returning to the tournament for the first time in six years was ex-England rugby union player, Steve Thompson.

Thompson, who took part in the Transguard Living Team, was full of praise for the tournament:

“I took part in the very first Zurich Touch tournament in Jebel Ali six years ago. Coming back today as part of the Tranguard Living team really highlighted just how much the tournament has grown. It has been a great carnival atmosphere and it’s great to see so many families down here making a real day of it.”

“My team is a real mix of abilities, including some who have never seen a rugby ball before! But, that’s what makes Touch such a great game because anyone can play. It’s been a brilliant day, and I hope to be back next year with the Transguard Living team.”

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