Julian Pitts
The Rococo Noosa Tigers have dropped to sixth position on the QAFL ladder after a six-point loss to Palm Beach on the Gold Coast last Saturday.
The Noosa boys started extremely well with their pressure and hunt for the footy far greater than the Lions going into the first break with a two and a half goal lead. For the middle two quarters, the clearance work from Palm Beach, particularly as centre stoppages became crucial and they were able to control the game for the most part and set up what most thought was a match-winning lead.
A lack of concentration by the Tigers during a 10 minute period of the third quarter saw Palmy’s lead extend to just on four goals before Noosa again started a mini charge.
Controversy played its part on the third quarter time siren after a superb set shot on goal from Aaron Wilson was disallowed by the field umpire who, unlike most others watching, called it a no score due to Wilson going over his direct line of mark.
An enthralling final quarter saw the Tigers pushing hard and in the end coming home the better only to squander some simple chances late on goal and repeatedly kick the ball poorly into the forward line.
Palm Beach now jump the Noosa Tigers into fifth position with three rounds to play. Of course, the Tigers have one less game to play with a bye this weekend.
A win at home on 13 August against Grange will ensure a finals’ spot for Noosa.
Plenty of contributors at the Tigers on Saturday with the defence outstanding the entire day. Flagg and Guthrie continued their consistent form continually killing the footy and saving many a goal on the last line of defence.
Riley Buntain was a standout when moved back to defence where his high marking and spoiling was a constant reminder of what a great player he has been at Noosa for many years.
Tyler Stack was in the thick of things on his wing, particularly in the first half, while the grunt of Wallis, Laskey and Templeton was prevalent.
Will O’Dwyer’s second half was the reason the Noosa side was still in the hunt as he tore strips through Palm Beach with weight of possession and clever decision making. Big Bussey battled hard, as did Jono Freeman up forward or in the ruck, however, in the end Palmy were just that little bit more composed with the footy and got over the line.
Media award votes:
5. W. O’Dwyer.
4. R. Buntain.
3. M. Bussey.
2. A. Laskey.
1. B. Guthrie.
Our Noosa Tigers Senior women keep going from strength to strength after a thumping 15-goal win against third-placed Sandgate at Sandgate last weekend.
The girls head back down the Bruce Highway this Saturday to play Mayne in another tune up for around the corner finals.
Our Noosa Tigers inclusion team is the only senior team at home this weekend when they take on Yeronga from noon at Weyba Road. Bring down some nibbles and refreshments and enjoy watching our inclusion guys run around as they get ready for their national carnival in the Barossa later in the year.
Remember to book your seats for our final president’s luncheon with widely heralded ventriliquist/comedian Darren Carr our special guest, coinciding with our mega auction day. So many great travel/ accomodation options up for grabs along with sporting memorabilia and lifestyle treats.
It’s past players’ day also, so a massive Saturday 13 August awaits.
Go Tigers
