By Jeremy Burks
Contributing writer
A ``monsoon'' struck Seoul Saturday as the team with the same name from Singapore swept all aside on their way to the men's championship. The Monsoon team, in weather resembling their name, put on display the best Touch ever seen in Korea, playing with fluidity, tempo and precision that left most sides reeling. The only stiff opposition they encountered was in the final where they met fellow tourists Hong Kong's Happy Valley Dragons who entered teams in all divisions.
As well as picking up the main trophy, Monsoon also won a Jacob's Creek Sparkling moment jeroboam for a piece of sheer brilliance in the quarter final versus Hangang Exiles; ``One of their guys flicked a pass out as he was diving only for it to be caught by his teammate also diving touchdown,'' said a dumbstruck Exiles skipper, Guy Lynch. "We were taken to school today by a far, far better team''
Meanwhile, in the women's tournament, an epic final between Happy Valley and local favorites Seoul Sisters went to nearly 20 minutes of extra time in a ``drop off'' where teams reduce players until there are just three on the pitch from either side. Even then the deadlock couldn't be broken until a slight error from the Sisters allowed the Dragons to make the crucial touchdown. ``Certainly the most exciting contest ever seen in Touch tournaments in Korea'' said Megan Taylor of Sisters ``This was the first time a separate women's division had been contested and after this showing the crowd response suggests it will become a permanent fixture.''
With the Men's and Women's trophies going to overseas teams, it left just the Mixed tournament for the local sides to salvage some pride and hot on the heels of their win in the last Spire Championship tournament, Hands duly obliged. Captain Brad Dowson explained "Ours is a side which has been building all season and has peaked at the perfect moment". Certainly the Hands have shown a remarkable ability to change the pace of the game to suit themselves and blend the skills of the men and women on the team to very good effect.
While the poor weather reduced the crowd, players were very upbeat about ITS. A common refrain was appreciation for the welcome and the slick organization. "We have to thank the volunteers who gave up their time to make this thing go like clockwork'' said tournament director Mel Cottingham. Generous support from sponsors ensured the tournament facilities were of a high order and the Korea Military Academy's grounds provided a beautiful backdrop for the action on the field. ``We really appreciate the KMA's hospitality,'' said Jaesub Choi of ITS.
Full results of the tournament can be found on www.koreatouch.com