Finals are here!

The finals have arrived or are approaching in the City Touch competition, and AUTC teams are looking to take out a number of divisions. Tomorrow morning, the AUTC Humboldts will be taking on the Green Hot Chilis in what should be a close game.

Last week, the Humboldts were convincing winners over the Penguins with a 9-2 victory. The Chilis were victorious over the AUTC Adelies, 7-1. This could possibly be the last Sunday morning competition held by City Touch.

Touch has changed immensely in the last ten years and what used to be the most popular competition, with over fifty teams competing, has been replaced by large competitions on Wednesday and Thursday nights which cater for an even larger number. Even though the field will not be surrounded by cheering spectators as it was during the early and mid '90s, the game will still be keenly contested by all involved.

Thursday nights enters the finals phase this week. Unfortunately, in the A/B division, the Macaronis suffered from low player numbers in the early stages of the competition and have found themselves playing off for 5th place against Sister Morphine, whom they defeated 7-2 last week.

Anyone looking for some entertainment should get to Field 3 at 6:15 pm, as the Macaronis should be sporting some interesting playing attire in their last game for the season.

In the E/F division, the Gentoos should have Brenton Rawnsley back from fatherly duties for their game against Touching Rampant, who they defeated 5-2 the last time they played. The team has performed well in the last few weeks and should be confident that even without the back-up of a couple of players who have supported them while they were short, they should be able to make their way to the Grand Final.

Meanwhile, the Magellanics have placed themselves at the top of the table of H division. They play the Falcons in their semi-final, and after finishing seven point ahead of their opponents, would be looking to put a win on the board. There should be some entertaining Touch played as the Magellanics boast a number of players who have improved greatly from the start of the season.

The Monday night Womens competition has been a learning experience for the AUTC Royals, a team of mostly beginners which has been competing against usually more experienced opponents. Coaches Inke Jones and Laura Teakle, who have both commented on the enthusiasm and ability of their charges, will be looking to get their team psyched for their 5th v. 6th playoff against the Fruittis in a couple of weeks.

After their last game against the top-placed Gregan's Grogans team, AUTC Galapogos will be looking to have a good hit-out against Western Districts so that they can secure second or third spot. With a pace advantage over their opponents, Galapogos will put their opponents under pressure if they can repeat their defensive effort of last week, while maintaining their driving attack. Some more adventurous attacking options should see AUTC come out in front if they put the effort in.

The Mens D grade side, the Rockhoppers will be facing a tough ask against top team Nupolar in their last game before the finals. They will be hoping that results will go their way, so that they maintain their fourth position and a place in the semi-finals.

The AUTC Kings will be playing Diamondtech Buzz in a match which will decide who will compete in the B grade semi-finals. If they produce one of their better performances, the Kings could manage to scrape home and book a match against the top placed Grassburners the week after.

Finally, the AUTC Emperors will be out to maintain their dominance over the Mens A Grade competition and add to their already impressive touchdown difference when they play the CSTA Experiments. Bolstered by the return of several players as the finals approach, the Emperors should be able to further increase the intensity of their games to make it difficult for any team that is looking to challenge them.