The 2010 Touch Belgium Annual General Meeting was held on 3 Sept, and the following club officers were elected:

• President: Daphne Galle
• Treasurer: Brigitte Specker
• Secretary: Helen Cadwallender
• Coaching Director: Lee Copson
• Development Officer: Sarah Lelux
• Referees' Director: Armel Rondeau
• Facilities Directory: Sarah Murray
• Funding Manager: Erik Boman

Congratulations to the new committee! 

The first-ever Belgian National Touch Championships will be held on Saturday 18th September 2010 in Parc de Woluwé, Brussels, where eight of Belgium’s top teams will compete to discover who are the Belgian Touch Champions!

2010 European Touch Championships Day 2

Belgium 6 - France 2

Belgium 8 - Germany 3

Belgium 1 - Scotland 10

More details to come ...

2010 European Touch Championships Day 1

The 8th European Touch Championships were opened on Thursday 22nd July 2010.

Belgium’s campaign started 15:30 Pitch 3 versus Jersey.

Always a tough match against Jersey, a strong, fast, physical team who are well drilled, creative and highly skilled.

Belgium took it to them hard though.  Having lost the toss and therefore the kickoff, Belgium’s strong defence denied Jersey sight of the line and retaliated in a comprehensive set of drives which gained us the five.  A penalty for offside granted us six more and a cool, clear headed team brought it back to set up the Killer.  It was executed well and Belgium were tantalisingly close to scoring from first possession.

A fast and sharp half ensued with Belgium’s impressive defence locking out Jersey time and time again, for almost 10 minutes there was no try.  Belgium had their opportunities and were unlucky to not get across.  Good solid refereeing kept the game flowing in open play and tightly competitive on the line.

Jersey broke the tie however with a strong long cut to an unguarded winger.  3 more followed with Jersey showing some impressive pace at scoop and a sharp step off half.

Half time score : Belgium 0 Jersey 4

Belgium however, were pleased with their performance, although comms could have come up some and drives been tighter, first game nerves had been banished and they were attacking well, defending solidly and moving the ball with confidence.  It was a confident Belgium that retook the field.

Jersey appeared to shift focus to the middle a little with a number of switches, wraps and bows pulling the Belgium defence inside to allow a faster paced strike out, many touches set up a foot race with the half pushing through.

Belgium found themselves in a similar position but several successful scoops were unable to find hands at the line.

Two more tries were suffered before Belgium found their opportunity: Two settles on the left wing before a cut across the centre and Ralfe switches with Gin who dummies then steps left, dummies a second then steps right, scoring between the two!  Belgium 1 Jersey 6

Shortly after Jersey retaliate with a drive set right, a fast paced pull to the left which has Belgium out of position and a footrace back out right: Belgium 1 Jersey 7

Its Belgium again though as a dump at centre field 6m has Ralfe scooping and charging across the line but running out of space.  A frantic long pass back inside can only hope to stay afloat long enough to reach Bannon but its Ding who plucks it early from the air and smashes it to ground.  Belgium 2 Jersey 7

Belgium are now striking strongly, occupying the Jersey half and have multiple chances on the line.  Belgium have found their stride.

Although Jersey gain another with a fast half breakthrough and although mirroring worked well, Jersey found hands.  Belgium 2 – Jersey 8.

A series of Jersey cross fields causes some confusion and following a touch there’s a clash of players and Captain Lacrosse goes down hard.  Too hard.  She stays down.  Play is stopped and medical assistance called for.  While a stretcher is brought over and medical support administered, time ticks on and the match is called. 

Final Score: Belgium 2 – Jersey 8.

Following a number of scans, x-rays and precautionary checks, Gin is able to rejoin us at the Opening Ceremony with nothing broken but some impressive bruising!

Despite the score line a good performance for Belgium.  An impressive Ireland giving France a lot of trouble sets up an interesting 8am match tomorrow and an Austrian defeat of Scotland upsets the apple cart for later.

Allez Belgium!

"Schools the Secret"

Just prior to the commencement of the 2010 European Touch Championships, Touch Belgium attended an Elite Development Seminar at the Bristol Academy of Sport, Filton College.

The Seminar was hosted by the Federation of International Touch (FIT) and included the speakers :

Peter Walters - New Zealand Touch: Elite Development Program
Wayne Grant - Touch Football Australia: High Performance Manager and
Peter Bell - Youth and Schools Development

Many subjects were covered and discussed in detail, but one topic came across loud and clear : "schools the seccret".  From numbers in the sport, long term sustainability, volunteers pool (parents) and access to government funding, the development of kids and leveraging the existing infrastructure of schools is key to a successful Touch program.

So what does this mean for Touch Belgium ?

Well, more Touch!  Touch for all.  And more inclusive!

For instance, the following initiatives are already planned:

1. Mums and Kids day.
2. Junior Touch Tournament.
3. Ladies Touch Tournament.
4. Belgian National Touch Championships.
5. Belgian National Touch Series.

We'll be announcing dates and our new calendar once we're back from the 2010 Euros, but for any more information, please contact me on: president@touch-belgium.be

Jonathon Ralfe,
President.

Blueprint Touch 2010

Touch Belgium would like to congratulate the Thundercats on their victory over Fulcra in this years 2010 FD Blueprint Summer Touch League. 16 teams participated in 64 games over 7 weeks which saw the winners Thundercats emerge unbeaten. Last years winners Fulcra put out a great performance but were unable to penetrate the Thundercats defence. With both teams participating in this years Belgian Touch Championships on Saturday 18th September at Parc de Woluwe, an exciting rematch appears inevitable.

Jonathon Ralfe,
President, Touch Belgium

2010 Benelux Touch Cup – 22nd June 2010

Sunday 20th June 2010 saw Luxembourg play host to the 3rd Benelux Touch Cup. Congratulations to Touch Belgium who played hard and finished in 2nd position behind the Netherlands.

Rugby Club Luxembourg put on a great tournament, turned up in numbers and dug out the flags to make us feel very very welcome. Belgium played 5 matches in all : Mens v Luxembourg, Mixed v Luxembourg, Mens v The Netherlands, Ladies v The Netherlands and Mixed v The Netherlands.

I'm delighted that everyone on the pitch gave over 100% in every match and although the Belgian teams had rarely (if ever) played together before, everyone worked hard throughout.

A fit, strong and fast Lux mens team penetrated Belgiums disorganised defence too often but Belgium were able to strike back, driving hard, fast and consistently. Most of the match was spent on the Luxembourg Line and Belgium made their opportunities count more often than not to take the win 6-4.

A very similar story against the 'Mixed' team, Luxembourg opting to play young lads as opposed to ladies. Excellent skills from the youngsters saw more penetration, secure hands and great last minute releases to work the ball wider and keep Belgium on their backfootsies more than the men did. However, Belgiums experience on the line meant Lux were caught offside over and over and the tries for Belgium soon came up. The match ended with the same result 6-4.

Belgium v Netherlands Men and Belgium v Netherlands Ladies took place at the same time on adjacent pitches.

Belgium Ladies played an excellent match and scored first, holding the Dutch at bay until the start of the second half where some defensive dissarray and an opportunistic speedster took advantage! The match closed at 1-1 and gave many their first taste of a tournament drop off. 5 on 5 and the dutch pulled through :o( 1-2.

Meanwhile on pitch 1, things were not quite so rosy. The Netherlands Men played a superior match, driving harder, faster, deeper and spreading accurately over distance. Belgium were kept on the back foot and were too slow to react to the efficient, wide and accurate spread. Belgiums attack was fair and good ground was gained to put us on the line often but the Dutch were too well drilled and their shutdown quick and effective. Belgium had several opportunites but were only once able to turn them into golden eggs. 1-10

Final match of the day was Belgium Mixed v Netherlands Mixed. An excellent game played in great spirit by both teams. Quick, tight drives, creative open play and construction on the line saw the play to-ing and fro-ing throughout. The Dutch, however, were a little fitter, a little faster and a little sharper. Despite a sterling effort by Belgium at the end of a loooong day, the Netherlands nevertheless got over the line more often than not. NL 12ish - BE 2ish.

With the Netherlands also dominating in their matches against Luxembourg it was a set of straight wins for the FLying DutchMenGirls.

2010 Benelux Touch Cup Winners - The Netherlands! (who also take home the Grand Ducks of Luxembourg!)

Many thanks to Erick Acker from Touch France, who, throughout the day ran a Level 1 Referees course. 7 players from Touch Belgium participated and I'm delighted to announce that all participants passed and have now received their Level 1 badges.

Congratulations to our new Level 1 Referees :

Jorge Bayo Bilbao
Niel Markwick
Anneleen Verhaeghe
Daphne Galle
Laragh Widdess
John Gosper
Wanrong Tham

Next up is Calais, Bristol, Budapest, Vienna, Brussels, Brussels and Brussels !!

Jonathon Ralfe,
President Touch Belgium

Captain and Vice Captain Named – 14th June 2010

Congratulations to Virginie Lacrosse and Matthew Bannon who were voted Captain and Vice Captain respectively by the Touch Belgium Mixed Squad during the 3rd 2010 Euros Training Camp. The Touch Belgium Committee is delighted in their nominations and has every confidence that they will lead the squad through a successful campaign.

Jonathon Ralfe,
President Touch Belgium

Euros 2010 Training Camp 3 – 14th June 2010

Saturday 12th June and Sunday 13th saw the Touch Belgium 2010 mixed squad come together for the third of 3 weekend training camps which symbolises the final push in the 6 week countdown to the 2010 European Touch Championships. Both days saw the squad engage in intensive drills and practice matches bedding in existing skills and tactics whilst introducing some new elements to push the fitness envelope further and stretch the team’s abilities. Two days of intensive training sees the squad fit, ready, mentally strong and encouraged by their own performances. The 2010 European Touch Championships are almost upon us.

Jonathon Ralfe,
President Touch Belgium

Touch Belgium Pub Quiz – 10th June 2010

Touch Belgium held their annual fundraising pub quiz on Thursday 10th June. Thanks to everyone who attended. We raised a great €652 which will help Touch Belgium in its 2010 campaign and participation in the European Touch Championships.

Jonathon Ralfe,
President Touch Belgium

Touch World Cup 2011 Organising Sub Committee – 26th May 2010

Touch Belgium’s Touch World Cup 2011 Organising Sub Committee was set up on 26th May 2010.

Its members are :

Amy Williams,
Kiri Haggart,
Niel Markwick

I want to thank them for stepping up to initiate things.

The Touch World Cup 2011 Organising Sub Committee will be responsible for all administration relating to the 2011 Touch World Cup. They will prepare a planning schedule and participant costing. They will liaise with the Touch Belgium Committee to appoint a selection panel, arrange Open Trials and training camps. They will arrange fundraising events and manage the Touch Belgium sponsorship drive.

There is much to do and they will need to draw in additional assistance from within the committee and without. Anyone who is interested in lending a helping hand will be very much welcome and can contact the Sub-Committee on twc2011@touch-belgium.be

Once again, many thanks.

Jonathon Ralfe,
President Touch Belgium

Belgium finishes in 3rd place in 2009 European Mainland Cup

Touch Belgium are delighted to declare their 3rd place position at the 2009 European Mainland Cup in Heidelberg, Germany.  Belgium entered two teams to the tournament, a traditional mixed team and the debut of the first ever Belgian Ladies Touch Team.  The Mixed Team finished 3rd in their division, retaining the position hard won in France in 2007.  The Ladies finished 4th in their division.  Combined, Belgium took 10 points into the overall positioning, placing them 3rd, only a single point behind 2nd place Germany and 6 points behind the overall winners Switzerland.

Read Full Report in english (pdf)

Read Full Report in dutch (pdf)

Two days of outstanding summer touch have been the pinnacle of a year long agenda which has seen the Touch Belgium membership doubled, a significant increase in the number of qualified referees and coaches and positions us well to continue this growth throughout Belgium and support our development of stronger and stronger teams in increasingly tougher competitions.  Next year will see the 2010 European Touch Championships held in Bristol, England and the 2011 Touch World Cup held in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Touch Belgium will be there with a Mixed, Ladies and Mens team.  Come and get involved !

Jonathon Ralfe,
President
www.touch-belgium.be

European Mainland Cup - 25th and 26th July 2009

Touch Belgium to enter 3 teams, Mens, Ladies and Mixed. Please confirm your participation. As most of you will now know, Touch Belgium will be participating in the European Mainland Cup in Heidelberg, Germany on the 25th and 26th July.
This is a major Tournament but not as massive as the European Championships of last year.
It is an expanded version of the Greenstone Hooke tournament in which the Belgian Mixed Team ranked 3rd in July 2007.
With a view towards the Touch World Cup in Edinburgh 2011 we have set ourselves some ambitious goals to develop our squad.
Touch Belgium will enter 3 teams. Mens, Ladies and Mixed.
On paper we have the numbers but we need your commitment to make this happen.
This will be a high level international tournament and would be a very rewarding experience. It should, however, not be undertaken lightly. It will require commitment and dedication. You should be prepared to sacrifice some personal time and attend at minimum 75% of squad training sessions.

How do I get involved

No. 1 register your interest.

Selection for the teams will be based on a number of factors which will include (but not be limited to) the following unweighted factors

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the game. Such as the possession of a Level 1 referees badge.
2. Availability.
3. Demonstrated commitment to the squad. Such as frequently attending training.
4. Fitness.
5. Past form. Such as frequent involvement in club level tournaments.
6. Team contribution overrides individual skill.
7. Extra-curricular involvements such as fund raisingpromotion.

Belgium 5 - Rest of the World 9 !!‏

Congratulations to the Rest of the World who were victorious over Belgium in Touch Belgium's annual Christmas Challenge Cup.  With Belgium winning the inaugaral 2007 and 2008 Challenges, 2009 sees the first victory by the Rest of the World.

Although near consistent rainfall over the last few weeks has left the pitch in conditions which can be charitably called "less than ideal", the rain had abated for most of the day allowing the pitch to drain (a little) and for us to play in unseasonally mild conditions.

A great turn out from the Kituru boys saw a nigh fully eligible Belgium team at 13/14 proper Belgians.  An excellent show.
This allowed for some fantastic individual flair, great speed and some cheeky lines being cut.

However, it was the more regular players from the Rest of the World who played a tight defensive game and communicated excellently to limit the Belgian progression.  Belgium were shut down time and time again and often in their own half.  The Rest of the World drove well and hard and had Belgium under pressure on the back foot more often than not.  A number of set piece moves and a few opportunistic gaps had the ball over the line.

With the half time score at Belgium 3 RoW 4 it was still very much an open game.

The second half saw more of the same from the RoW, hard, consistent driving putting Belgium under pressure.  With Belgium unable to retaliate, their cohesion began to drop and the frustration began to creep in.  Lacking confidence in each other there was more dependance on individual flair and more risk taking.  This failed to pay off and the Rest of the World punished them mercilessly.  A missed opportunity in the very final minute saw a great spiritied and fairly played match end at Belgium 5 Rest of the World 9.

Such a great turn out from Belgium bodes very well for the 2010 Euros where Belgium intends to enter 3 teams, a mixed, mens and ladies team.  More info very shortly.

Jonathon Ralfe,
President,
Touch Belgium