Rugby League
To say that it was a happy dressing room after the game would have to be the understatement of the season.
It was at Pirates Park Noosa and the Pirates A grade Rugby League team had just racked up what was probably their best result of the season, beating Nambour 38-10. The weeks leading up to this game had indeed been very tough. An unbelievable string of injuries, plus more than their share of that unwanted visitor Covid had been enough to test the most dedicated.
Club president Paul Dwyer was all smiles.
“This win was just what we wanted.
“After what we have been through over the last couple of weeks, it will do a lot to restore their confidence. It has been a great win and it will make them understand just what they can do.”
It was interesting to note that during this period of time there had been no lame duck excuses. They just simply hung on, gritted their teeth and never gave up.
The traditional Welcome to Country speech was made from centre field by a young man, Keayahn Hunter. Representing the Kabi Kabi people, usually a solemn occasion, he set a happy mood when he closed his speech by saying loud and clear for one and all to hear, “And out here it is very bloody cold.”
The laughter and applause this young junior player received said it all. The atmosphere for an afternoon of entertaining football was set.
Noosa vs Nambour
The opening 15 minutes for Pirates was a bit unsettled, but a good sweeping run from their back line saw them open the score with a try in the corner. The try went unconverted giving Pirates a 4-0 lead. The first 20 minutes saw some very heavy defence from both sides. A highlight of this was some good attacking runs from Pirate rookies promoted up from U18s.
However, in the 29th minute a sudden lapse in Pirates’ defence saw Nambour centre break through from a 20m run to score near the posts. Nambour 6 – Pirates 4. Pirates scored again some 15 minutes later when club newcomer Dan Mavao, playing at number 7 scored a converted try to make it Pirates 10 – Nambour 6.
Three minutes later Pirates again crossed the line and with this being converted, the host club went to the half time break leading 16-6.
During the first half the game had flowed with some good passing moves from their respective back lines, however, periodic erratic defence was something of a problem for both.
Then on resumption, Nambour hit back with an unconverted try to make it 22-10.
Pirates starting to lift their defence with Hayden Trask leading the way, and with support runners going with the backs, Pirates made it 28-10. Again, in the 68th minute Pirates scored to make it 32-10 and five minutes later a converted try gave us a final score of 38-10.
For Nambour, the 10-point score, was not a fair indication of their performance. Their heavy defence in the second half was over-shadowed by erratic ball control.
For Pirates, their running game was a marked improvement and when on line they also showed signs of good heavy defence. With two lead-up games being cancelled, the Reserve grade saw Pirates in against Stanley Rivers. On this occasion the visitors went home winners by 32-6.
Away from the playing field, Pirates once again showed their support for the community by conducting a charity, the aim of which is to raise $5k. This will be used in support of Womenkind Australia in their endeavour to assist women to reach their full potential in their personal and professional lives. A good cause worthy of our full support.
Little Athletics
In the world of track and field our two athletes Zane Branco and Christie Edwards, now competing overseas, are continuing to perform well.
While in Norway they took part in a major carnival known as the Boysen Memorial Championships held in Bislett Stadium Oslo. Zane was again among the medals when competing in his specialty, the long jump, where he won the silver medal. This was his second medal in this event as he finished with a silver when competing in the Northern Ireland Championships.
Christie was also successful winning a silver medal in the 100m sprint and a gold in the 200m.
Following this, next weekend both will represent Australia in the U23 Great Britain Championships.
Noosa head coach Mick Hooper, is very pleased with both the performance of his athletes’ and the friendship and assistance they have been granted by the overseas officials.
“Their placings have enabled them to win some prize money and also in some places the organisers even provide accommodation. It has indeed been a great experience. Not only having the opportunity to compete against top international athletes, but also it has given them the chance to establish good contacts. This will be of great assistance should they again compete overseas. The whole trip has been a great success and it is not over yet.”
Pickleball
People are still asking, “What is Pickleball?”
According to flyers, it is a paddle sport you can learn in minutes and play for a lifetime. It combines the elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, to create a sport that is fun for all ages and skill levels. It can be played both indoors or outdoors, as doubles and singles, and has a hard surface to ensure that the ball can bounce.
The Noosa Pickleball club held its AGM and its new committee members, those who will be working to promote and spread this game with the funny name, are president Woody Dass, secretary Gina Foster, treasurer Miriam Brace and committee members Margot Tredinnick and Randall Hunt. We wish them well.
The Queensland Association recently held the state championships at the Morayfield Sports and Events Centre. It was a success with 310 players from various clubs around Queensland in attendance.
The Noosa Pickleball Club was well represented in many of the events, ranging in age and skill levels which range from 1 to 5.
Competing in 12 different events saw Noosa come home with medals from all levels.
In the singles their tally was two gold and two silver, the same in the mixed doubles.
The men’s doubles saw a total one gold, one silver and one bronze and the women’s doubles, two silver and one bronze, giving them an overall count of 14 medals, five gold, seven silver and two bronze.
Next big tournament for the club will be the Australian Pickleball Championships. These will be held over the weekend of 30 September to 3 October at the Brisbane Tennis Centre in Tennyson.
People interested in learning are invited to email, freelesson@noosaspickleballclub.com to organise a free lesson on either Monday night (outdoors) or Thursday night (indoors).
Join, have fun and help to promote this new sport.
