Julian Pitts
The Rococo Noosa Tigers went down by 13 points in a very entertaining QAFL match of the day against Gold Coast heavyweights Labrador last Saturday at Rococo oval.
On a glorious day weather wise and in front of a bumper crowd, the game ebbed and flowed throughout its entirety with the local lads actually holding the biggest margin of the day (20 points) five or six minutes prior to the main break, only to see the Labrador machine kick the final four goals of the quarter and go into the half time break with a slender lead.
The second half was a beauty with both sides on the attack, however, the defence of the eventual victors was just too well set up in the end.
Particually late in the game, it was all Noosa who continually pushed the ball inside its forward 50, only to find a fortress of Labrador defenders set up beautifully behind the footy to save the day.
While it was Noosa’s second loss in a row, the boys, although disappointed, can hold their heads up high in what was a terrific standard of QAFL footy enjoyed by all that were there.
Noosa’s best player was again Connor McDonald whose consistency must not be understated. The ruckman come running ruck rover was everywhere on Saturday, contesting wherever he could and racking up plenty of touches over the full four quarters.
Skipper Aaron Laskey once again continued his fine season with another typical hard as nails, inside ball winning display. Midfield bull Tommy Rourke, also a great help for Laskey, with his ball winning ability around stoppages. Fitzpatrick and Baulch flashed in and out of the contest with brilliance trying to spark a Noosa victory whilst Ethan Johnston up forward was as busy as usual.
Big Aaron Wilson continued his terrific form with another standout game once again showing the work rate required at this level while his fellow key defender Lachy Flagg continued to show why he was so sought after in the pre season with another fine performance in defence.
The loss places the Noosa Tigers fifth of the QAFL ladder with Brisbane powerhouse Morningside to play at home this Saturday from 2pm.
A massive thank you to all the Ainslie crew (about 35 of them) who ventured up over last weekend to show support for the Tigers and in particular Chris Rourke (who coached Ainslie for 15 years) and also to a Jimmy Buckley and Mal Brown who entertained us at the president’s lunch last Saturday which was a true classic.
Brendan Fevola is our guest speaker this Saturday, with tickets selling fast.
Good luck to all those wearing the Noosa Tiger guernsey this weekend.
Media award votes:
5. C.McDonald
4.A.Laskey
3.A.Wilson
2.L.Flagg
1.T.Rourke
Noosa Tigers women travelled down the highway for the third week in a row to compete against Alex Hills on Saturday evening and were met with a far improved Alex Hill team from the one played in round one.
From the outset our backs stood up with some strong defence not allowing Alex Hills to kick any goals. This was a fantastic effort given the ball spent the majority for the first quarter in the opposition forward.
Amelia Monk, Kellie Barker, Jess Trompf and Sacha Smail were steady and strong in defence.
Coach Trompf, delivering some inspiring words at quarter time, spurred the girls on to give and protect each other and Noosa was able to create chances for Shauna Kelly and Lauren Vaughan who were good in front of goal.
A terrific snap goal by Ruby Hamilton gave the Tigers a 20-point lead heading into the final quarter.
Courtney Dial’s marking prowess across the ground was impressive, and she finished with a goal to her name.
Keirra Trompf was consistent as always in the ruck and was strong in both attack and defence.
Amelia Monk was outstanding at centre half back, stopping all efforts of the opposition to penetrate the forward line.
Kiana Welsh (Hop) who has had a cracking start to the season looked dangerous all night in the forward line with plenty of opportunities and kicked an amazing goal.
Noosa Tigers finished 38-point victors and now look forward to a home game against Northshore, at Rococo Oval, Saturday 18 June at 4.45pm, we would love to see all our supporters come down and cheer us on.
Go Tigers
