The Bowral Touch Association girls 12s won their way through to the quarter finals of the 2002 Junior state Cup with a thrilling 1-1 draw against pool leaders, Wollongong on Sunday. The Bowral girls were the only team to score a try against Wollongong in their pool over the entire weekend so it was a tremendous result. The 2002 Junior State cup was held on February 23 and 24, 2002. The girls played six tough games over the weekend, with two strong wins over Central Coast and Wallsend, 1 incredible draw against Wollongong and three fairly close losses to Wagga Wagga, Parkes and Foster/Tuncurry.

The girls met Tamworth in the quarter finals and although defeated 8-0 were certainly not discredited. The Tamworth team were very strong and all their girls had obviously been playing touch for a number of years.

Open Sprint races were held on the Saturday for one girl and boy from each association. The Girls 12's were the oldest team from the Bowral Touch Association so it was up to our pocket rocket Alyssa McMahon to enter for Bowral. Alyssa stood at the start with girls up to 18 years of age towering over her. Not daunted, Alyssa took out fourth place in her heat, picking up the ball at the run with ease and making her touch down like a pro, it was a tremendous effort for an 11 year old.

Perhaps the greatest achievement for the Bowral girls was their continual improvement over the weekend, they ended the Cup a very strong and cohesive side and will be one of the teams to watch in future competitions. The Bowral Touch Association Girls 12s representatives were Tahni Isedale, Stephanie Worner, Meagan Drapalski, Cindy Garrard, Gemma Delamont, Brooke Hawkes, Olivia Hawkes, Alyssa McMahon, Stephanie Bidwell, Brooke Saunders, Alanna Smith and Cody Bourke. All the girls put in 150% over a very tough weekend and deserve praise and commendation for their commitment, skill and enthusiasm in representing their Association. Well done girls, you did us proud!