The European Club Championships is an idea and product that we have been exploring for a couple of years; with much of the focus always on major international events, we wanted a tournament that is able to celebrate the transient and competitive club competition that operates throughout Europe each year.
With a highly competitive list of teams attending the inaugural European Club Championships on the 3rd and 4th of August 2019, it is extremely difficult to pinpoint a potential winner; however, we have seen strong performances over the past 18 months throughout many tournaments.
Bareback Riders are deserving favourites for the 2019 EFT Club Championships, the 2018 and 2019 England Touch National Touch Series winners, finalists at the 2018 Capital Cup and series winners of GIF, they have very strong pedigree and will be feared by many. Boasting a host of international players from Scotland, Wales and England, BBR will fancy their chances over the two days.
The Scottish contingent of Six Pack and Buffalos will also be confident after successful Scottish Touch Series’ performances over the past few years; they are also representing an NTA with an outstanding Mixed Touch pedigree, which was typified by the Scotland Mixed Open team becoming the first European NTA to achieve a medal at a Touch World Cup in an Open Division. Both teams are littered with international players, and will not fear anyone they come up against; some are even predicting an all Scottish final.
Fresh from strong performances at GIF in 2019 are Hot Custard and Cambridge Hornets; both teams fought hard in the semi-final with Hot Custard making the final by a single touchdown. Hot Custard have had an indifferent domestic season, but come in to this tournament in excellent form as winners of Round 3 of the England Touch NTS. Cambridge have also had an indifferent year; whilst they have had inconsistent results domestically, the team boast a host of young international talent who will provide a tough test for anyone they come up against. CSSC London Eagles will also be strong contenders and hope to be in with a chance on Day Two; they have had a very strong year domestically and are an ever-present team in many of Europe’s club tournaments each and every year.
Outside of the Home Nations, Touch Berlin and CDR Hurricanes will provide an extremely tough challenge for anyone that faces them. Touch Berlin are excellent travellers who always perform at whatever tournament they attend. After winning their home tournament [2019 Capital Cup], they will be high in confidence and ready to perform over the two days. The CDR Hurricanes are an extremely well drilled and consistent mixed side, who are known for their hard running and competitive spirit. They are bound to cause some upsets over the course of the weekend. We also have teams entering from Portugal (Aees Agraria de Coimbra), Luxembourg (RCL Touch), Spain (Barcelona and San Roque Touch), Netherlands (Mokum Masters), Jersey (Leopards), Ireland (Donnybrook) and Guernsey (Source) who will all provide an excellent standard of competition and contribute to what promises to be an exciting and high quality tournament.
Whilst is difficult to summarise such a competitive tournament in an article, what is certain is that we are in for an action packed weekend.
