After three days of action at Greg Duncan Touch Fields in Bundaberg, the 2023 winners of the Bundaberg Cup have been crowned.
The Bundaberg Cup, or ‘Bundy Cup’ as it is affectionately known, offers a chance for elite and social players to compete in the open divisions, as well as development opportunities for junior players and teams.
On the finals day, teams in U12 Boys and Girls right through to Open Men’s and Mixed went head to head in a battle for the championship title.
Queensland Touch Football CEO Greg Denny said it was a fantastic weekend of touch football action.
“The Bundaberg Cup is always an exciting competition, that brings together our whole touch football community, from grassroots and social right through to elite,” Denny said.
“This year, the competition was hotter than ever and it was great to see so many close games, but also so many people enjoying playing touch football.
“I’d like to thank all the teams who took part, and look forward to next year’s event,” he said.
In the Open Mixed division, Coolum BlueFins defeated Prince of Thieves 7-4 in the final.
For coach Danny Goodwin, winning the championship was the ultimate reward for his team.
“Bundy Cup was a harder competition for us than the Queensland State Cup a few months ago,” Goodwin said.
“We were the runners up there, and really wanted to come up to Bundaberg to get the win. But after the pool games, we were in fourth.
“In the final, we managed to put it all together and get the win which we were all so stoked about.
“In mixed touch, the males typically do all the heavy lifting but our female players were incredible in the final and we couldn’t have won without them,” he said.
The 2023 event was Goodwin’s first time attending the event, having missed previous years due to an illness in the family.
“It was the first time I’ve ever been to the Bundy Cup, and it’s one of the best events I’ve ever been to,” Goodwin said.
“I think it’s a great concept having the competitive divisions and social competition as well, I know for our little club we had teams on both sides of the competition which was great.
“Being on the Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg is only three and a half hours away, we got to stay in a beautiful place on the beach and the competition was great,” he said.
Bundaberg Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland supported the event in 2023.
