Berlin claim 2012 Bembel Cup!

Touch Berlin were crowned winners of the 2012 Bembel Cup after beating Lausanne 6-5 in Saturday's final on September 1. Berlin took an experienced side down to Hessen and it made a difference in what was the final tournament as a Berliner for club president Jordi Bitlloch. In the final, a stand out display by former Touch Deutschland president Rob McGregor produced three touch downs, with a few assists and two touch downs from Jordi, to make made sure the Bembel Cup headed to the capital. En route to the final, Berlin got off to a good start in their group with a 9-2 win over Hamburg before Munich were beaten 4-3 in a tight game. Swiss newcomers Lausanne were then dispatched 5-3, while in the final group game Berlin saw off hosts Frankfurt 5-3. In the semi-final, Dutch side Den Haag were beaten 5-2 to put Berlin in the Grand Final.

After the teams had already met in the group stages, Lausanne raised their game in the final, but Berlin held on to take the title. Australian Nick Ward finished with the best player award for a high standard throughout the day, while Kiwi Chris Bisset produced some eye-catching dives both in attack and defence in a robust display. National player Russel Pillay also put in some great work in what was a great team effort. "It was a truly great day, there was a brilliant team spirit and special mention has to go to all the girls who really stepped up and put in some great work to make sure we saw Jordi off in style," said Berlin's Kai Lawrence. With Munich having won the 2012 Deutschermeister title after their performances throughout the season, the challenge is now on Berlin to try and challenge their southern rivals next season.