Touch sensation lives dream

GYMPIE touch football sensation Sarah Spacie has lived her touch dreams by winning a three-test Anzac series against world champions New Zealand.

Picture: Submitted

GYMPIE touch football sensation Sarah Spacie has lived her touch dreams by winning a three-test Anzac series against world champions New Zealand.

The 22-year-old made her international debut for the Australian mixed team in Wollongong at WIN Stadium in late April and her team beat the Kiwis three games to nil. Spacie was stoked with the Aussie win saying it was the first time in 15 years Australia had won all three games in the open mixed level.

Picked to play at right wing for her strong defensive skills, Spacie played in every game and managed to score two tries.

The Aussies won the first game nine touchdowns to five, game two by nine touchdowns to seven and the last match 11-10.

“The Kiwis didn't play as well as we anticipated so the Aussie boys were scoring a lot through the middle,” Spacie said.

“Us wingers didn't get as much ball as was expected, but we had to do some good defensive work at times,” she said.

Spacie said mixed touch at international level is the fastest she has ever played and it felt great winning all three games.

“The Kiwis were quick and agile,” Spacie said.

“They're the world champions and beating them three nil was fantastic.

“I partied on like never before,” she said, laughing.

Australian coach Bernie Morrison was impressed with his team's effort, but Spacie said he thought the team could still improve.

“He was super stoked, but we are still progressing and he doesn't want too much celebrating until we have the World Cup,” Spacie said.

“It is the best team I've ever been a part of. Obviously for playing ability, but they are also the best bunch of people and the coach is unreal.

“We all get along super well and would do anything for each other, so it makes everything on the field a lot easier,” she said.

Spacie is currently teaching physical education at Cannon Hill in Brisbane and is doing some personal training work in her spare time.

She hopes to continue to play for the Aussie side and has set herself some new goals.

“I play wing now and the next step is left link. It is the only girl position other than wing in mixed,” Spacie said.

“I am super pumped for that and love a good challenge.

“It will be hard, but it will be so good to play there against the best people in the world. I'll learn so much.”

Morrison wants Spacie to play link in the next Trans Tasman series as preparation for the World Cup in 2011.

The Trans Tasman is scheduled for April next year.

“My ultimate goal is to be playing in the World Cup in any position, but link would be unreal,” Spacie said.

“I just can't wait for next time.”

Originally published as Touch sensation lives dream