Touchdown

What can I say...

I watched Touch Rugby for the first time today and I think it totally rocks. The pace of the game is second to none. Within a 45 minute game, 20 touchdowns is not unusual.

The game has been around nearly 50 years and evolved in Australia from what was meant to be training for Rugby players. There is no tackling; 'touch' is all that is required. It is one of the few high octane sports which also has mixed men and women teams.

The athletes are supremely fit. They are in 'sprint mode' continuously on a pitch that is half the size of a regular rugby pitch, so if you are looking away for a bit, you'll probably miss some major action.

The bus was delayed due to Edinburgh hosting Armed Forces weekend, which Prince Charles and Camilla were attending. So I arrived just after Doug had scored for Scotland and only got to watch the second half of the match. But I watched several other matches too. Well done Doug!

This shot captures the action, emotion and pace of the game as New Zealander - Riley O'Donnell - scores against Scotland. He's taken everyone by surprise, appearing out of nowhere. His expression says "this one is in the bag, guys" New Zealand won 16 - 4 against Scotland.

Here are the pics from today that couldn't make it into this blip.