STATE of Origin bragging rights have dominated discussions in the Shoal Bay household of touch football internationals Nicole and Ali Mitchell.
The accomplished mother-daughter Blues representatives played in the Touch Football State of Origin series in Coffs Harbour against fierce rivals Queensland, in what is considered the toughest domestic tournament on Australian soil.
Nicole, an Australian Emus legend, impressed for the NSW Women’s 50s team while 17-year-old Ali was blooded in the NSW Women’s 20s lineup against the powerful Maroons.
The Blues retained the State of Origin Shield trophy after producing a stunning second day revival described as “the comeback of the ages.”
In its 16th iteration, the State of Origin series showcases elite players from NSW and Queensland in interstate best-of-three battles, held over two days of action.
After Queensland had clinched 13 of the 18 best-of-three games on the opening day and nine series wins by Saturday afternoon, the pressure was on the Blues.
They required four victories, with NSW smashing records as they won 5-1 in the Women’s 45s; 11-9 in the Mixed Open; 6-2 in the Women’s Open and 6-5 in the Men’s Open, to tie the series and retain the Shield.
NSW defeated the Maroons 5-2 and 4-1 in the Women’s 50s with evergreen Nicole showing vintage form.
Joining Ali in the NSW 20s team was Anna Bay international Ava Forster – just weeks after helping the Australian Emus retain the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup trophy on the Gold Coast.
The Blues rolled the Maroons 3-2 following a 7-4 loss on the opening day.
Outstanding prospect Ali, who made her international debut this year in the Australian 18s Girls team that won the Asia-Pacific Youth Touch Cup, turned in top notch performances.
She and Ava were two of 11 Nelson Bay Neptunes products to represent the Blues against the Maroons in this year’s Origin series.
Other Neptunes to don the Sky Blue were Andi Law (Women’s Open), Hugh Doherty (Men’s Open), Nicole Mitchell (Women’s 50s) and Martin Shiner (Men’s 55s).
John Clark – the world’s top ranked senior referee – joined son Alec and wife Sam, along with John Frost and Amanda Crowley, as part of the experienced Nelson Bay referees contingent on the interstate panel.
By Chris KARAS
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