Scorpions seal maiden Mixed NTS title

London Scorpions secured their first Mixed National Touch Series title with a winner-take-all Cup final against Nottingham Hoods at Burton RFC.

As with the last two editions of the Mixed NTS, the destiny of the overall title could have gone one of a number of ways on the final day of competition, with Scorpions, Hoods and NQ Rebels all in the running.

Rebels were the first to slip out of contention with a 3-4 quarter final loss to Invicta. Scorpions and Hoods continued, however, with respective wins over Wigan and Bristol Jets. Then when Hoods overcame Invicta and Scorpions beat Nottingham Mavericks in the semi-finals it set up a final where everything was at stake.

The 20 minutes did not disappoint as the teams matched each other blow-for-blow. Scorpions took a one-try lead into half-time, and while Hoods kept on tying things up in the second half the Londoners were able to reply, and with a 7-6 win they had both the day’s Cup and the overall crown in their kit bags for the journey back to the capital.

Other winners on Saturday were:

Division 1 – NQ Rebels (Plate), London Eagles 1 (Bowl), Cambridge Hornets (Shield), Marcus Evans (MVP, Cheltenham Tigers)

Division 2 – Nottingham Outlaws (Cup), London Eagles 2 (Plate), Rose Willoughby (MVP, Exeter Eagle Owls)

Most Valuable Referee was Granville Williams.

A further 28 teams were on site for the Division 3 and 4 final day. Thames Valley Vikings secured the Division 3 overall title with a day where they reached the final, albeit a game where they were beaten by Kiwi Dragons.

Other Sunday winners were:

Division 3 – London Eagles 3 (Plate), Staffordshire Stormers (Bowl), Blaze 2 (Shield), Meg Austin (MVP, Liverpool Otters)

Division 4 – Triple Threat (Cup), Revolution 2 (Plate), Warwick Knights (Bowl), Josh Harrup (MVP, North Norfolk Nomads)

Most Valuable Referee was Daniel Whitt, with Catriona Hubbard receiving a season award for recognition.

The Green Challenge Trophy for Divisions 1 and 2 was won by Nottingham Hoods, with Warwick Knights winning for Divisions 3 and 4.