Ron Lane
An interesting article in a Brisbane paper tells us what a lot of our local sporting types have been saying for some time: that new game with the funny name of pickleball is definitely on the rise.
This sport, which is a combination of tennis, table tennis and badminton, is now becoming something that is not just for the older generation of athletes, but also for the teenagers looking for something new that does not involve heavy body contact.
According to some council administrators, “Our parks are not just about swings and slides any more.” Research tells us that requests from community groups has resulted in the upgrading of some parks. This gives this new breed of athletes, now both teenagers and golden oldies, ground on which to build their courts and, in doing so, give support to this new game. A game that is now being played on an international level.
Rugby league
With the start of the 2022 seasons in football codes fast approaching, it is only right that we keep both the parents and supporters of the codes up to date. Over at Pirate Park and also at Cooroy things are starting to happen.
From Pirates’ head coach Brett Winkler, we learn senior teams are back training with good numbers in attendance.
“We are keen to get as many new players as possible through and on board the Pirate ship for the 2022 season.”
The dates for the pre-season and start of competition are now settled. Saturday 19 February will see four senior teams (Division 1 and 2, Under 18s and Women) competing at Sunshine Coast Stadium; 26 February – Divisions 1/2 teams Away Trial with the field to be advised; and 5 March State League Trial- Sunshine Coast Falcons vs Norths Devils (Host Plus Cup and U/21 teams in action).
March 12 – Pirates will host a trial game at Pirate Park Tewantin with the four senior teams – Divisions 1 and 2, Under 18 and Women in action. Then on 26 March, Sunshine Coast Senior League competition commences. Also, on the agenda, some of the older junior team age group will play. This season will see some great opportunities for the Pirates Senior game day sponsors to showcase their business during the eight to 10 Senior home games.
The majority of junior teams will commence training in February with gala days and trials in late March, early April, and the majority of junior teams will kick off their competition in late April. Junior players can still register to play rugby league with the Noosa Pirates at playrugbyleague.com.au/register and type in Noosa.
As Coach Winkler would say the welcome mat is always open to all new players, supporters and volunteers to join for the season ahead.
Rugby union
All people involved with the Ray White Dolphins Rugby Union Club have been kept busy planning ahead for what looked like being a great season.
Following on the results achieved on the playing fields of last season plus the massive improvements to club facilities, season 2022 was sure to be even better .
However, on Tuesday 25 January, the Queensland Country Rugby Union announced the sudden passing of Greg Dodd, a dedicated Dolphins Rugby man whose love of the club was surpassed only by his love of the game itself.
A club spokesperson said Greg was a former country representative, selector and, more recently, Queensland Country president who leaves a great void in our game for which the Country Rugby Community is still coming to terms.
Greg was an old school prop and epitomised what it meant to be part of country rugby as he imparted the history, tradition and values into others whilst continuing to grow game at the grass roots level.
Queensland Country Rugby Union thanks Greg for his dedication and service to country rugby and gives heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family at this difficult time.
His playing career saw him playing in several different clubs and areas representing Queensland Country, South Australia and Tasmania and, of course, the Noosa Dolphins. His coaching capabilities resulted in him, at various times coaching the Sunshine Coast Representative team, as well as the Noosa Dolphins and the Queensland Heelers. His official capacity saw him stand as Sunshine Coast president and director, Noosa Dolphins president and rugby manager, as well as president of Queensland Country Rugby Union.
These positions and dedication have resulted, on two occasions, with Greg being awarded the high honour of life membership of Woodville Rugby Union South Australia and life member of Sunshine Coast Rugby Union.
Speaking on behalf of both the Dolphins Club and himself, immediate past president Donald McKill, who spent eight years in office and on committee with Greg ,spoke in the highest terms of his clubmate Greg Dodd (Doddy).
“Doddy bought such a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our club. His passion for not only Noosa Rugby but every other representative team he was involved with was very obvious. Doddy is going to be missed far and wide by the rugby world. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this great man after his sudden passing. Rest in peace Doddy, rest in peace.”
Little athletics
This weekend will definitely be a big one for our Noosa Little Athletics. On Saturday and Sunday, the Sunshine Coast Uni Track and Field will play host to 13 athletic clubs as they contest the regional championships. The region extends from South Burnett to Deception Bay and up to Gympie.
The two- day carnival will see some 700 athletes competing in all events of the athletic agenda.
“The regional championships are always a great carnival with big nominations. When the numbers are big, you can rest assured that the standard of competition will definitely be very high. Anyone who comes home with a medal will certainly earn it, ” said coach Mick Hooper. Good luck to all.
Tennis
It would be very un-Australian to close off and not acknowledge Ash Barty winning the Australian Women’s Open Singles. To come back and win from an incredible 5-1 down in the second set is the stuff that legends are made of.
And to have the legendary Evonne Goolagong Crawley unexpectedly bought in to make the presentation was indeed a fantastic ending for an event that will certainly go down in tennis history. Well done to all.
