For our two Rugby codes in Noosa, Rugby Union and Rugby League last weekend was definitely two days to remember. It started on Saturday when Noosa’s Dolphins Rugby Union Club won the Grand Final, beating Caloundra and on Sunday, for the Noosa Pirates another big day : only on this occasion it was in the Board room, where a very successful, positive and progressive Annual Report was tabled.
Saturday, at Dolphin Park before a good crowd of supporters from both clubs, Dolphins and Caloundra, Dolphins won a tough game that had it all: despite wet conditions ball control was good. Noosa scored first and after 18 min. led 3 nil but on the 31min. it was 3 all. The game stayed tight with plenty of hard rucking and good sweeping runs from the backs. On 24 min into the second half Caloundra scored giving us a score of 13 to 10 Noosa’ s favour. Then Noosa scored wide of the left post and what can be only be described, as the kick of the game, a successful conversion by Jordi Meyhew, gave Noosa a 20 to 10 lead.
However, Caloundra hit back with a quick try and a successful the kick putting the score at 20 to 17 with 5 min to go. Caloundra pushed hard getting to within five meters of Noosa’s line. A short break by Noosa gained them some 15 meters. Then all hell broke loose. With the score board showing 42 min, the Noosa crowd, thinking the game was over giving Noosa the win, stormed the field: but the referee had not blown time, so the ground had to be cleared of hundreds of Noosa supporters.
What followed was a very tense couple of minutes, as Caloundra gained ground but finally the whistle and the mad very upset Noosa supporters were again on the field. And rightly so. It was Noosas day. In other finals Caloundra won the reserve grade 29 to 28, and the Noosa Colts won 27 to10 against University, but Noosa girls went down to 22to19 to Caboolture. Dolphins Head Coach Michael Phelan was all smiles, “They are also Minor Premiers and now today they won the big one Grand Final.”
Following the win, a very proud Noosa President Donald McKill, spoke not just of the team but all their people. “’Following on from the Grand Final win in the A grade and the Colts, on behalf of the management committee I would like to acknowledge the effort of all players, coaches and managers. Also, in particular like to thank our sponsors for their support and above all for staying with us during this difficult season. Well done and many thanks to all involved.”
Sunday 10am saw a good gathering of Pirates members for their Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers. President Greg Christensen welcomed all. After apologies and minutes of the last AGM were tabled and discussed, the President tabled his report and thanked all members for a successful year and in particular the sponsors who have continued their support through a hard year.
He made particular mention of the successful amalgamation of the two clubs the senior and junior. “We are now one club and I thank all involved in this matter. This will only serve to make us stronger than ever.” Regarding club management, all aspects have been endorsed by the state and also the protocol regarding the appointment of life members (as requested by members) all aspects have been addressed and where necessary the constitution has been rewritten and updated.”
Speaking of Life Membership, the President acknowledged the outstanding contribution of Clair Robinson, who after 35 years of loyalty has retired. “We thank her sincerely and wish her well in the years ahead.”
The president acknowledged the work of our young members both on and off the field. With the A grade being unavailable because of Covid, the work of senior coach Brett Winkler in preparing the U/18s for life in the senior ranks, has been ideal.
With our present structure the management has now become more transparent and the President and General Manager will always be available to the members. “As I am stepping aside, I wish to again thank all who have helped down through the years; players supporters and sponsors Thanks for everything.”
General Manager Brett Winkler’s AGM report, was definitely a positive document. In his opening statement he( in part) thanked the club and its members for allowing him the opportunity to lead the club’s operations as the clubs inaugural General Manager: further he remarked, “the key determinant of any club ultimately comes down to the quality of its people.”
Despite the unprecedented and unparallel efforts from the Coronavirus pandemic, the club has turned around its financial performance quite dramatically in a single year.
He went on to draw the attention to the significant number of great projects completed in 2020. To name just a few there was the lighting upgrading of both the Pirates playing fields and the Noosa Touch: shade sail and seating upgrade at Cooroy: facility and business upgrade at the Tewantin Clubhouse. But perhaps the most important of all has been the restructure of banking facilities
“On a strategic front, we are advanced in our negotiations with Council and Government MP’s to transform the Noosa District Sports Complex facility where the Pirates club will lead and drive a much anticipated, new community model that delivers a better outcome, not just in sport and recreation, but also health and wellness for our entire community.”
As a result of this the club will be able to “…. give more back to the community. And, the Council is fully aware of all aspects of the project.”
Treasurers Joshua Harris report was very comprehensive and as a result few questions were raised. However, his closing statement was well timed. “While the club is currently in a sound financial position and able to currently meet its current short- term commitments, it must be remembered that the current economic environment remains fragile and that reserves are in place as a necessary contingent, for any potential economic challengers that may and could, arise in the near future.”
At the completion of the reports and general business, the following positions were announced : President Paul Dwyer, Secretary Kristie Hart, Treasurer Conrad Voss, Vice President Greg Christensen, Independent Ian Williams, Junior Delegate Tin Payne and Senior Delegate Liam Anlezark.
Also, it was announced that the Head Coach for the Seniors for 2021 would be Brett Winkler. Working with him will be Mick Duffy as assistant coach and Tony Mcilroy Division 2 coach. Training for the Pirates kicks off on Tuesday 24 at the groin rock wall on Noosas Main Beach .We wish them well.
With formalities over a very comprehensive video regarding all aspects of the project was shown.
On Saturday at Bargara Beach Bundaberg, Noosa Surf Club boat crews competed in their first races since February. ‘The carnival, round 1, of the Qld Cup, saw the crews rowing in a heavy chop and strong winds,” said boat captain Anthony Fox, “and for some of our U/19 crew, girls aged 15, having their first row, it was tough. The two reserve grade ladies crews went well, finishing first and second in their division. This is their second season together for the winners, so it could be good times ahead.”
Boat sweep and coach Dave Tomba said, ‘’I was very happy with the results particularly for the young ones: their first carnival and a great experience: they gave it their best and we couldn’t ask for more.” Their next carnival will be at Broadbeach on the Gold coast in two weeks : round 2 of the Qld Cup. Points allocated for places will be for selection to represent the state. Other results at Bargara were open women’s division, Noosas 3rd, U/23 women’s Noosa 2nd and 3rd and in the masters, Noosa finished in 3RD place.
Fort the Noosa club, last week was, for a lot of us veteran members indeed been a very sad occasion. It was then that we were informed, that Australia’s number one female competitor Lana Rogers, was leaving Noosa for greener pastures and happier times. This young lady always had time for a smile and a chat: a well done from her many admirers, after yet another big achievement, was always greeted with a big, ‘’Thank you.’’ To Lana, our clubmate, your company has been our pleasure and your many successes, our pride. And as always, we are with you in spirit. Vaya con Dios young lady, Vaya con Dios.
