By Ron Lane
For the Ray White Noosa Dolphins, it is certainly busy times. Following on to their weekend of tribute to sponsors and their female committee members, plus games against the visiting Caloundra Club, this last weekend saw two teams continue to uphold their reputation as a Rugby Union team, that is definitely doing things in a very positive way.
According to club President Donald McKill it could not be better. ‘’We had two teams in action with one team, our reserve grade away in Gympie at Albert Park. For this round 5 fixture, we took a full squad of 23 players and came home winners 50-15. A good pack of front rower forwards made it possible for the back line to open the game which resulted in some 8 tries.’’
Players then showed true Dolphin spirit, by hitting the highway back home. On arrival they supported their A Grade who were in the process of fronting a very spirited Wynnum Bugs outfit: a team, who were running hot, following a good win the previous weekend. With those results still fresh in mind they quickly moved off to a 6-0 lead. With Noosa having many changes in their line up, they took time to settle, but eventually, by spreading the ball wide they quickly regained their momentum: this saw them holding a half-time 29-15 lead.
After the break, the Noosa forwards continued with some good set piece work, thus enabling the backs to find holes in the Bugs defence. This resulted a 50-25 lead at full time. “Our Colts and Women’s teams were well represented up in Cains,for the Queensland Country Championships, with15 players making the trip North. Both Women’s and U/19 South East Queensland teams performed well. This week all Noosa Teams will be in action at University Sippy Downs for the finals match in rounds 1 of the competition.”
For those lovers of the history of Rugby League, the last weekend Rugby matches played on Albert Park in Gympie, would have many of the old Gympie Rugby League players turning in their grave. This beautiful park, was once the headquarters of Gympie Rugby League. As such it was supported by four major clubs, Wanders, Past Brothers, Northern Suburbs and Kilkivan: and as such the district became the feeder clubs for the Redcliffe Dolphins.
It was this club, that in 1965 won the very powerful Brisbane Rugby League Premiership. On that occasion, the Redcliffe five- eight was John Treeby, a former Gympie Past Brothers player and member of the Noosa Heads SLSC. Standing outside Treeby in the centres, was a young player on his way up and his name, was Artie Beatson. Also, on that day the former Kilkivan lock Col Weier, played lock for Redcliffe. The Albert Park also played host to several Internationals games which, in front of capacity crowds, saw the Wide Bay District rep teams play, the touring England and French teams. Such is life.
For the Noosa Pirates Rugby League, last weekend they had a bye. This coming weekend will see them playing away games, when they come up against the Stanley Rivers teams on their home grounds: games will be played in both the A grade and Reserve. We wish them well.
Following what has been one of the most successful seasons in surf boat racing history for the Noosa Surf club, they will, on May 23rd and June 6th throw out an invitation to new boys and girls interested in rowing. The annual, Come and Try Days, will once again be held front of the Noosa Club: don’t hold back, it’s a great traditional team sport. Started in Noosa in 1949, the club is now rated one of the strongest in Australia.
Last weekend saw the end of yet another season of weekend patrols by our volunteer lifesavers. Happy to announce, that all three local clubs Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach and Peregian have upheld the tradition of no lives lost between the flags. Well done to all involved. The weekend patrols will once again be under the control of the Noosa Shire Lifeguards.
