News - Europe

The first National Malaysian Development Tournament was staged at the Equestrian Park Putrajaya recently, involving 26 teams across 5 divisions, and not only unveiled Malaysian club Scorpion Putrajaya as a rising force in the game, but also highlighted Malaysia's potential as a world-class host of the sport.

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.

Sportscover's desire to assist community sports led to the creation of the Sportscover Sponsorship Fund (SSF) as an avenue to sponsor a wide variety of amateur sports men and women, striving to achieve sporting greatness across a broad cross-section of sports. Touch Deutschland was one such lucky recipient, and will receive US$750 (or local equivalent).

Scottish Touch is leading the way in Europe in coach education. The STA has just delivered Europe's first 'home-grown' FIT-accredited coaching course, with 10 coaches from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling receiving their Level One qualifications last weekend (June 23 and 24).

The STA has announced that the 2012 Scottish National Championships will be held at Falkirk Rugby Club on 4 August. Regional squads from across Scotland will battle each other for the national title.