Ron Lane
For the game of Pickleball, the Queensland Titles would have to be one of the best promotions ever held in our fair state. For this fast-growing sport, and according to the following report of club President Ron Gatliff, Noosa’s club definitely performed well.
Noosa Pickleball Club, one of the first clubs established in Australia, has done Noosa proud at the recent Queensland State Championships. With the game of Pickleball growing rapidly in Australia, it is no surprise the tournament was the largest Pickleball Tournament held in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 530 competitors.
The tournament consisted of Singles, Gender, Mixed Doubles and Team Events. Our Noosa Club was well represented with many members competing and bring home medals. The next tournament on this year’s schedule is to be held in Yeppoon and once again the Noosa Club will be well represented.
Our people tell us that on seeing the rapid growth of the sport, Yeppoon Club has built one of the best, largest and dedicated pickleball complex, in Australia. Regarding the completion date of Noosa’s two indoor courts, situated at the Noosa Tewantin Sports Complex, it is expected to be around the end of July.
The Noosa club will be heavily involved with the Noosaville State School next term by providing five weeks of lessons for grade 5 and grade 6 students. Overall, it is exciting times for our game and our club, watching the growth of the sport in our local area and throughout Australia.
Following are the results, that have definitely put a smile on the face of President Ron Gatliff and his coaching panel.
Singles Titles. Bronze medal Claire Grady women’s over 18, Silver medal Glennie Ault women’s over 50’s, Gold Medal Sal Buckley women’s over 50. All had a rating of 3.5+
Gender based doubles- Doubles Titles. Gold in the following Claire Grady and Sue M in the 18s, 3.5, Janette Ward and Casey Smith in the 35+ 2.5 3.5 Kane Nolan and Rod Awards in the 50s+, 2.5,3.5,Glenice Ault and Sal Buckley in the 50s+3.5, Leandro Pretorius in the 18s+, 2.5,3.5.
Randal Hunt and John Murphy, Miriam Brace and Eve Allen played well but just missed out on medals
Mixed Doubles Titles, Gold Medal, Glenice Ault in mixed 60+35+ In the Team Event Titles, Noosa came home strongly to win gold, thanks to the efforts of Mark Latham-Calcutta, John Murphy, Sal Buckley, Sue M and Claire Grady.
For those of us who are new to the sport, the figures 2.5-3.5 are indications as too the gradings of the individual player. The President acknowledged the fact, that the results were a great reward for all the effort and training put in by their members.
Also, the work done by another club member Margot Rudnick, who as head of the Australian Referees Association, did a wonderful job organising qualified referees for all medal matches.
The achievements and work rate of all involved have shown, that should this continue, this club definitely has the ingredients to make it, in this new sport, one of the best if not the best in Australia.
There is definitely no stopping this club. Back from the State titles and the members are again in full swing. It’s Monday morning 9am at the Leisure Centre, and all four courts are occupied: mixed doubles, and all eight teams were over 40.Once the games are over there is a photo shoot followed by a social morning over a coffee and a chat.
Club President Ron Gatliff could not be happier. “All indications are that our new courts situated at the Noosa Tewantin Sports Complex, will be completed by the end of July. People are dropping in constantly for a look at the game, with a possibility of joining.
Just last week a group of 16 Kiwi tennis players dropped in for an introduction to the game and a few pointers. We find that the winter months are busy with visitors from down south: much warmer weather. One in particular, known as Big Kev, is annual visitor and he just loves the Noosa lifestyle.”
In the USA, the sport continues to grow. A few months ago, as a promotion gimmick, tennis legends, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Andy Roddick and Michael Chang played a tournament for a $1m prize money. No wonder it has become big time. As a Noosa gentleman said with a smile, “This is something you can become addicted to without taking drugs.”
Those wishing to go and try the game are invited to contact via email: info@noosapickleballclub.com. Tuition can be provided; equipment and first session are FREE! A sport for all ages and we wish them well.
Rugby League
Saturday afternoon 6pm and the main game saw Noosa Pirates A grade take the field against the visiting Kawana. Prior to the kick off Pirates held a Welcome to Country ceremony with both teams standing in line and faced by a line up of Reserve graders plus club officials. Also present was the game day sponsor, Harcourt Real Estate
From Head Coach Mick Duff, “For us we had one of our strongest A grade teams run out against Kawana. As a result of this, we faced by far, what was one of the fastest and most intense level of footy we played all season.”
Pirates first try in the 31st minute, came from a pin point kick by half back Ethan Pohlner which was gathered by centre Ollie Butcher and off loaded to support runner Rohan Messer. However, Kawana had got off to a 12-6 lead on the back of their Queensland Cup hooker Jai Smoothy who was definitely their best player.
Just before halftime, Pirates levelled the score when Pohlner intercepted a long pass which saw him run some 90 meters to score under the posts. Second half was similar with a fast good game from both sides with backs running on to the ball and forwards showing good support up close. Pirates took the lead with a penalty, but unfortunately this was followed by two tries which were disallowed. This in the long run would prove costly.
Kawana then scored off a bomb when Pirates fullback Fischer looked to be taken out, late in the game from right under the posts. Then with some heady play from Smoothy Kawana scored just before the final bell. “The game was a good introduction to finals football,” said coach Duff. ‘’Very fast with very few errors: but with three calls that could have gone either way. However, that’s football.”
Coach Duffy was happy with the team effort, good all- round performance. Prop forward Campbell playing his first since combing back from injury. His leadership on the field should see him back in the Falcons squad very soon. George Fischer was again strong, making half breaks: but Kawana’s, scramble defence kept him in check.
“Best on field for us was Rohan Messer whose contribution was massive. While being disappointed with our loss, I am very happy with our consistency. Our game next week is a must win for us.” Another who again showed plenty of potential was halfback Ethan Phoner. His speed when taking the intercept was something of a surprise.
Final score while not being a true indication was 24-14 Kawana. For Pirates it was tries by Rohan Messer and Ethan Phoner and kicks 3 from 3 -Dan Moveao. Other games: Reserves, Stanley Rivers 12 Pirates 4, Women 22-8 Kawana and u/19 Kawana 38-Pirates 4.
Important trivia.
While our sports people are competing in Noosa, from around the world comes the good news. From Italy, news that Noosa Athletics Club members Zane Branco and Kristie Edwards are going gang busters
At a big international meet in Italy, Zane finished 2nd in the long jump and Kristie 3rd. in the 100 m. At the Malta International Zane 1st long jump with 7.86m: Kristie is away contesting the 100 and 200m in Belgium. Their next stop will be Lapeenranta Finland July19.
Now as you are sipping your coffee, Jia Marsh of the Noosa Barbell Club (also a patrolling member of the Noosa Surf Club) will be in India representing Australia in the Junior Weight lifting Championships of the Commonwealths. We wish them all the very best
