Ron Lane
For those working to establish the sport of Pickleball in Noosa, it is definitely all stations go. A recently released club flyer tells us that currently there are two indoor courts being built by the Noosa Council at the Noosa Tewantin sporting precinct.
This project is due to be completed by spring and has been partly funded by their club having obtained a substantial federal government grant. This was achieved largely because of the efforts of our recently retired Woody Dass and the clubs committee.
The number of people wanting to learn and participate in the game continues to grow with our introductory sessions being quickly booked out. This is putting pressure on our court availability. As a result, the club is currently in discussion with the local council local sporting clubs and local schools with the goal of providing more sessions both outdoors and indoors.
Noosa Pickleball Club recently held its fifth annual tournament at the Noosa Leisure Centre which attracted a star-studded field of 177 players from all over Australia. Some of our Noosa club members performed exceptionally well with gold medals won by Mark Latham-Callcott and Clair Grady in the open mixed doubles and by Miriam Brace and Ev Allen in the 55 to 65-year-old women’s doubles.
Other women who performed well and won medals included Vince Lofaro, Janette Ward, Paul Albano, Kate Rorrison and Jackie Kearney. The tournament kept up its reputation of being one of the best Pickleball events in Australia, due in large part to the number of volunteers who helped out. For anyone wanting to play Pickleball, the fastest growing racket game in the world you are invited to jump on to the Noosa Pickleball website-https://www.noosapickleballclub.com.au or Facebook and Insta sites to find out about our session times and locations.
With a two indoor court project under way and two major tournaments successfully conducted, all indications tell us that this, the fastest growing international racket sport in the world, (a branch of which is now based in Noosa,) is definitely in good hands. We wish them well.
Rugby League.
On Saturday afternoon at Noosa’s Pirate Park the Pirates played host to the visiting Nambour Crushers and Caboolture U19s. Lead up game saw the U19s go down 20-10 to Caboolture. However, their performance was definitely a big improvement on games past. For Pirates Open Women’s it was a one-sided affair winning 42-0. With Pirates Women’s showing better fitness and a desire to throw the ball out wide, it was definitely their game.
The hard work and frustration at training on previous weeks, definitely paid dividends with the women unveiling a more expansive style of play. First half saw Noosa run in five tries with the Garrett sisters, Emily, Allyce and Chloe score a remarkable trifecta of tries in a space of 19 minutes.
While attacking play was the order of the day, a much-improved defensive performance and low error count, was indeed a major factor. Brazilian signing Maria Graf was voted player of the match by both team mates and the clubs Greybeards: playing first half as hooker and second at halfback. In truth it was a great team performance right across the park with a very high tackle efficiency.
A special mention to captain Kat Anderson, who while sometimes not receiving the plaudits, continues to lead and steer the team with her dedication and performance. This week saw her top the tackle count: a good reflection of her hunger to lead by example.
The women’s team will have a bye this weekend, but this will be followed by three tough games in a row: against Caboolture, Gympie and Beerwah. We wish vice-captain Emily Garrett all the best in representing Central Crows against the Queensland Police Service in Chinchilla. A long overdue reward for her dominant performances. From very proud coach Rob Burgin.
Division 2 saw Pirates take out the game 22 to 6 against the Nambour Crushers: and despite light rain the ball handling was relatively good. It was played at a fast rate with plenty of wide sweeping runs.
Pirates maintained good ball control and once again their goal line defence was excellent with their willingness to use their backs out wide their attacking football certainly paved the way. Completion rate and control around the rucks was a major plus. Coach Danny Riddle.
The main game of the day Division 1Pirates vs Nambour Crushers, got off to an unhappy start when the field was hit with torrential rain lasting, some 8 minutes. However, despite this the ball control, by both teams, was better than expected.
“We were down in players this week for Division 1,” said club head coach Mick Duff. “However, the guys who came into the squad did a fantastic job: we led coming into the half time break. Nambour then ran away with the game, scoring 4 second half tries winning 34-30. Best on the ground for Pirates was Paddy McGinn”
From Club President Liam Anlezark, it was definitely a positive day for Pirates. “It was great to see our Ladies and the Reggie’s get up for a solid win: definitely big progress from our u/19s and the As. They both have fantastic playing groups, so the results will come: young players and lots of combinations. It was fantastic to see plenty Pirates supporters, sponsors Grey Beards and juniors braving the weather.
Also, a big thank you to all our volunteers that made the day run smoothly. Hope to see you again this Sunday for round 7 at Pirate Park.” Kick off U/19s at 10.30am,main game 3pm.against Bribie.
Lifesaving.
From the competition side Surf Lifesaving, we are happy to announce that the Noosa Heads Nipper Administration tells us that we are now officially into the Pool Rescue season. For our Nippers their first carnival will be held at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Saturday 27 May. This is a great concept for our nippers one that should be encouraged.
For those that are new to Pool Rescue and are interested, the Nippers Administration invites you to call the office on 54480900. The staff will be only too happy to help. These events are a great confidence builder for the young people and in many cases will serve as a kick-starter for a career in surf sport competition
