On Saturday the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club played host to the Toowoomba South Tigers in their first home game of the season.
Despite it being a trial game and inclement weather, the supporters were witness to some entertaining football. Unfortunately, the U19s missed out on a game as the opposition was unable to form a team.
In the women’s game it was one sided with the Pirates winning, 50-0. However, this came about with the Tigers arriving with just 10 players. Good to see the Pirates sporting gesture when they supplemented two Pirates in each half, thus enabling the visitors to have a game rather than sit in the stand.
Coach Robert Burgin praised both teams for their effort.
“There was a bit of miscommunication about the format so I applaud Toowoomba Souths and truly hope they have some success in their local league this season. We must not get carried away with the results, but can be pleased with their goal- line defence and support play.
This was a big focus for us after letting in some soft tries against Wondai last week and on this, we will continue to focus.” Rookie Keara Woods, playing just her second full game of rugby league, starred with four tries and two goals as the Wenchers collected 13 tries. So, it is well done to the Bendigo Community Bank Ladies.”
In Division 2 ( Reserve Grade) Coach Danny Riddle said following a 20-20 draw, ‘’Our game was a good first hit out. The boys have a bit of improvement in them but we are looking strong and ready for Round 1.”
The importance of the Reserves and the U19s cannot be emphasised enough as they also have the important role of being the support groups to Div. 1.
In Division 1 club Head Coach Mick Duff was also pleased with the trial.
“We had a good win Saturday, 38-10. Again, we played some great patches of footy, but we still have some areas of our game to work on. This is to be expected with lots of new combinations to settle in. We have two weeks before the season starts. There are plenty of players pushing for starting positions in Div.1.”
Despite being an early trial, it was a good open game with plenty of fast ball movement and support running. The pace of the game was a good indication that a large percentage of both teams are approaching the season with fitness as a priority. If these fast open patches of football are an indication of the season ahead, the Pirate supporters are in for some great games.
For one Pirates A grade player, Saturdays will definitely be a game to remember. His name is Khris Williams and Saturday’s game was his 20th year since he first played Pirates A grade, as an 18 year old. Affectionately known as Buddha, he will celebrate his achievement by having his first year as the Pirates U14 coach. Good luck Buddha.
Athletics
Mick Hooper, head coach of Noosa Athletics, has spent four days at the Queensland Athletics Championships, 13yrs to Opens, at Brisbane’s QE2 Stadium, Thursday 9 March to Sunday 12. Once again it was a successful occasion.
‘’We had 21 athletes representing Noosa, against Queensland’s best, and again our small club came away with some outstanding results.”
There were five athletes crowned Queensland Champions Dianne Ladewig, U18 400m Hurdles, Eli Melinz U14 300m Walk, Zane Branco Open Long Jump, Marlon Andrews U14 400m, Taya Clayton U14, 80m Hurdles.
Also, Marlon picked up silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m sprints: while Taya pickle picked up silver in the triple jump, bronze in the long jump and bronze in the 100m sprint.
Other medallists were Jaxon Retchless silver in the U18 100m and bronze in the 200m sprints and Livio Kurz bronze in the open long jump. We also had many athletes achieve top 10 placings and personal best performances with national championship qualifiers.
Yet again the team had great support from wonderful parents and friends in some trying conditions over four days. For the next major carnival the club will travel to Townsville for the Queensland Little Athletics State Titles, U19 to U17. This will be contested from the 24-26 March, then its back to Brisbane for the big one – early April- Australian 2023 Athletics Championships.
Water safety
I was recently handed three small pamphlets entitled, Surf Safe Noosa-All Year Round. Sponsored by Noosa biosphere, and the now international renown, Noosa World Surfing Reserve, its purpose was to give hints regarding the habits of those cranky, nasty, overgrown fish, that on occasion, have a tendency to bite people.
Well drawn up and illustrated, it definitely gave some good advice. Sharks share our Noosa waters. Understand your local conditions. Schools of bait fish can attract sharks. After heavy rain – avoid the river mouth
The illustrations have been presented in a somewhat lighter fashion, thus avoiding the usual horrific statements made by an actual incident. These are the type of document that mum and dad can use when talking to their young. So too, Kirra Molnar, president of World Surfing Reserve, well presented by all involved.
Surfing.
On this Saturday Sunshine Beach SLSC, celebrates 40 years of service to our community. Best wishes and happy birthday to all involved.
