It has, to say the least, been a tough time for sportsmen and women, administrators and fans locally and beyond in recent times.
I feel must be on the improve. Some local sports are edging back to a start in a new and sometimes challenging environment. Hopefully that light at the end of tunnel is getting brighter. Abiding by a new set of rules and applying yet another dose of hand sanitizer is surely not too high a price to pay.
I was thrilled to see Cricket back in action albeit it in England and then the Broncos finally managed a win. It could be the win that allows the Broncos to paper over the cracks and pretend all is well. I hope that is not the case. It was however a win and Broncos fans will take any positive they can get at the moment. Fans probably should enjoy that sense of euphoria that came with the win because I am afraid it may not last too long.
On the international cricket scene, there was little joy for the Poms (sigh) after the first Test against the West Indies. It is great to see a Windies team back on top in a red ball game and in England to boot.
There has been something not quite right in the world order of cricket since the West Indies fell into the Test Cricket doldrums.
The final day of the first Test played behind closed doors in Southampton was a gripping affair. The Windies were chasing a 200 runs to win in a see-sawing contest.
The tourists lost three quick wickets and at 3/27 the pendulum had swung in favour of the Poms.
But there were more twists and turns to come. English opener John Campbell retired hurt; brought undone by the bowling of English quick Jofra Archer.
A magnificent knock of 95 by Jermaine Blackwood put the visitors back in a winning position. Blackwood showed plenty of ticker against the English attack before he was dismissed with his side needing only 11 runs for victory.
His dismissal brought a limping John Campbell back to the crease. It was left to Campbell and his captain and fast bowler Jason Holder to scamper through for the winning runs giving the Windies a memorable four wicket win.
Not too long ago sport and especially International sport of any ilk seemed a far off dream. Let’s hope that this fluctuating contest was just a tasty entree for what lies ahead after what has been, and are crazy times.
Now if the Broncos can just conjure another win this week Queenslanders will know we have surely turned the sporting corner.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Covid might have done it hardest to bend our spirits and stop out sports but the Noosa Pirates are edging closer to the completion of the lighting project at their Tewantin ground. The poles were eased into place on both the League and Touch fields a couple of weeks ago. A big plus for the clubs and the community. The lights should be operational in the very near future giving even more meaning to that saying “Let There Be Light.“ Great work by all involved in the project.
JUNIOR PIRATES – BRONCOS ACADEMY
Three of the Noosa Pirates Under 14 Junior players were invited to attend the Broncos Academy Development Program recently. Zac Garton, Jai Bowden and Blaine Watson joined a group of players from North Queensland. the Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Brisbane last weekend at the Broncos Red Hill Headquarters.
All three did their Pirates club extremely proud as they were pout through a gruelling two hour training session.
It doesn’t end there for the boys they will be doing it all again next weekend at the Sunshine Coast University.
With the start of the junior season just a couple of weeks away be sure to keep an eye out for the progress of these three boys as they go round in the mighty blue and gold.
JUNIOR LEAGUE RETURNS
Sunshine Coast Junior Rugby League kicks off on July 24 and the young Pirates players chomping at the bit to get back on the playing paddock.
If you are keen to play rugby league this season and have not yet registered with the Pirates you can jump on line and register at www.playrugbyleague.com/register or go to the Pirates Facebook page and follow the links.
The Noosa Pirates club is making asking all parents and carers to help make the season possible. With the requirements placed on clubs to adhere to the strict Covid return to play guidelines additional volunteers will be required this season.
As the old saying goes, ‘many hands makes light work’, and it could not be appropriate at this time for the Pirates club.
Put simply it means offering your time to your son’s or daughter’s team by asking their Coach or Manager (either at training or on team Facebook pages), what you can do to help.
There are a myriad of ways you can help. It could be wearing a ground Marshall’s vest to make sure everyone stays behind the fence or helping out at the canteen for 30 minutes before your game, or just recording some team names. Every little bit will help ease the pressure on club officials.
The club is counting on your help.
All teams have returned to training this week at either Tewantin or Cooroy.
The season will only be three months with a finish in mid October however all players are sure to get see plenty of action in that time.
A reminder that FairPlay vouchers are now available for eligible parents and carers and cover this season.
For more information check out the link on hte Qld Government website; www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay . Previous vouchers already claimed/used will be honoured.
Players are allowed contact training and will be return to game time shortly however restrictions still apply and must be adhered to.
Primarily these involve personal hygiene and hand sanitization and name recording for contact tracing if necessary. Players and adults are advised not to attend training if suffering cold or flu like symptoms. Please seek medical advice before returning to training.
The updated QRL Return to Play Handbook (v5.0) will bring you up to speed on all the requirements and can be viewed by visiting www.qrl.com.au/return-to-play/game-training-day-operations/ or following the link on the Pirate’s Facebook page.
The club will be making every effort to adhere to these guidelines and protocols
This has been a testing time for all concerned and the club is looking forward to the support and co-operation of everyone involved to ensure the Pirates have a mighty season in 2020.
TENNIS BACK FOR TERM THREE
The Term Three Tennis program is set to begin. If you have not yet secured your spot in the Noosa tennis academy’s term three programs be sure to get in quickly and the Academy will do their best to accommodate you.
Programs run :-
Monday – Friday after school and Saturday mornings.
Lessons are held at Sunshine Beach State School Monday and Wednesday Morning / Afternoon.
Lessons are held at Peregian Springs State School Thursday afternoons.
Standard, Bronze, Silver and Gold value packages are all available.
There are programs to suit all abilities. To make a booking simply phone 0403714088 o simply email us on dave@noosatennisacademy.com.au to make your bookings.
DOLPHINS BACK IN THE FIN
Good to see the Noosa Dolphins back having a run as they prepare for their season opener on August 1. Club President Donald McKill says the club has worked hard with Rugby Queensland to ensure the club gets their teams junior and seniors back on the paddock.
The Rugby community has been excellent in abiding by the Covid return to play requirements.
Club captain Will Rogers says it has been great to get back to training. The players are working hard towards their first game which is an away game to Maroochydore.
Committee Member and Club Registrar Marie Cairns has taken a great deal of pressure off everyone by volunteering to be the Noosa Rugby Union Club Covid Safe Officer. Marie completed Queensland Rugby and Federal Government Infection Control training program recently in preparation for the role.
