18 Nov 08 - Coffs Gets Early Christmas Present

Coffs Harbour will get national exposure on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and December 30 when Fox Sports broadcasts the recent Oztag Australian Championships held this month at the BCU International Stadium.

The one-hour specials will be shown on all three Fox Sports channels and will feature the Women's 30s and Men's Open Grand Final as well as interviews with players and officials.

"This year's Championships were probably the best ever," said Oztag tournament director Bill Harrigan.

"The BCU International Stadium and fields were fantastic as always. There were no problems with any of the surfaces - despite the downpour we got for an hour and a half on the Saturday.

"I reckon it was the smoothest we've ever run the tournament. I even had time to actually sit back and enjoy the games and get onto the field to referee too.

"I'd like to thank Council and the Sports Unit once again for their help and support in making this such a great Championship," he said.

Nearly 1,200 players from 80 teams came to Coffs Harbour for the Championships as well as around 300 officials and supporters. The tournament was sponsored by GU energy gel, Byron Bay Brewery and the Coffs Hotel.

The 2008 Oztag Australian Championships was the latest major Oztag tournament to be staged at the BCU International Stadium. It also played host to the 2008 NSW Senior State Cup and State of Origin Series.

In 2007, Coffs Harbour hosted the three major Oztag competitions - the NSW State Cup, the first State of Origin and the Australian Championships.

Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades, said the TV coverage will be a great opportunity to display the stadium and city to a national audience.

"This is a nice early Christmas present for the community, which has always shown Oztag a warm welcome," he said.