Ron Lane
For the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club last Saturday was definitely full on.
Starting at midday, they hosted the visiting Beerwah Bulldogs to an afternoon of rugby league. Also prior to the commencement of the main game, they entertained their major sponsors to an afternoon luncheon in a well-deserved gesture of thanks and respect for their ongoing support.
In his welcome speech to guests, club president Paul Dwyer emphasised the opinion of his management when he said, “We at management consider our sponsors to be the life blood of the club. We are repetitively reminding our players that if it wasn’t for them, we would not be where we are today. The very fact that they continue to be supportive is of course of the utmost importance. So, to these people we offer our sincere thanks and best wishers in the times ahead.”
Out on the playing field the main game between the A grade teams kicked off at 6pm.
The first 15 minutes saw a very aggressive Bulldogs maintain possession. With Pirates centre field defence being somewhat ragged, leaving holes for the opposition forwards to penetrate, the Bulldogs opened the score with a converted try. Bulldogs 6, Noosa 0.
For the Bulldogs, fullback Connah Mills showed plenty of speed and twice broke Pirates defence centre field.
Then again in the 22 minute Bulldogs scored when loose defence from 10m out resulted in a converted try. Bulldogs 12, Noosa 0. Noosa finally hit back when skipper Alex Copelin took an intercept from 10m out to run the length of the field to score a try which was converted. Bulldogs 12, Pirates 6.
Beerwah then took a penalty in Pirate territory to see them go into the halftime break with a lead of 14-6.
The second half saw a more aggressive attacking attitude from Pirates forward pack, resulting in a converted try by front rower Ruben Peau. Bulldogs 14, Pirates 12.
Bulldogs came back strong and following a crosskick on the fifth tackle, scored in the corner to give them a 20-12 lead. From then on it was Bulldogs day. Their more aggressive play saw them take control and again the lack of tight defence by Pirates in centre field left them in tatters. This resulted in a final score of Beerwah Bulldogs 38, Noosa Pirates 12.
Pirates head coach Brett Winkler congratulated Bulldogs on their win.
‘’We were unlucky to have to replace two players at halftime. We also lost some because of Covid. The Dogs were just too strong on the day.’’
In the lower grades it was also a mixed day for Pirates, losing to the Doggies in the women’s, Division2b and 2a.
But for Pirates the saving grace came with a good win in the U18: Pirates 48 Beerwah 10. It is the U18s grade that a lot of coaches look upon for their future A graders as many come with a high school grounding in the finer points of rugby league.
Boxing
Our local Team Impact Boxing Club at Cooroy, has done it again. This time with just 10 days short notice, Impacts Bryce Hegarty flew to Tasmania on invitation, to fight in the professional ranks: for the Light Heavyweight Championship of Tasmania. This saw Hegarty score a convincing TKO win in round six to give him the title.
For trainer Mark Evans (owner head coach at the Impact Club) it was a great win.
“Bryce boxed brilliantly. We had a game plan: to try and box from long range against our bigger and heavier opponent. Bryce stuck to the game plan and he picked his shots nicely scoring especially well with his right hand.
“At the end of round five our opponent Stuart Dare was looking tired on his feet. For round six, Bryce was given the instructions to increase the pressure and increase the work rate, which he did.’’
This resulted in the ref stepping in and stopping the bout as Dare was out on his feet.
‘’Usually, we would be looking at least to a six-week preparation camp prior to a big fight like this. However, I have always worked on a policy of making sure that all our boxers are always in the gym, keeping fit and ready to go if needed. Because Bryce works in the gym as a PT instructor and trains at least five times a week, this enables him to maintain a high level of fitness, thus, the very short notice wasn’t a problem.
“On fight night we felt as though we had walked into a lions’ den. There was a crowd of a thousand cheering for the local boy. “Times like this, with just a small support group in our dressing room, we really felt that we were preparing for war.”
For an up-and-coming young fighter to win his first state title could be the start of bigger things to come. Good luck to our local lad.
Martial arts
For those involved in the world of Martial Arts, in this case Shotokan Karate, Noosa Club (training and studying under head Sensi Bryan Dukas 6th Dan) it has also been a very big and successful weekend.
On Saturday four members of the club, Sue Cameron, Pat Mannion, Jack Drew and Damion Mannion sat for their black belt grading. A major highlight, apart from the aspect of gaining the converted black belt, was the fact that on this occasion an international examiner from South Africa Mike Dukas ,Shihan 8th Dan (Shihan meaning: expert, master or senior instructor) was sitting on the panel overseeing the standard of the students.
After a gruelling morning/afternoon exam, the results were extremely good with all four candidates passing with high marks and Mike Dukas Shihan made comment on the high standard of the candidates.
While visiting Australia he will also be conducting the WSKF (World Shotokan Karate Federation) examiner and instructors’ seminar and exams. This gives the opportunity for Karate instructors to improve their knowledge and understanding of Shotokan Karate -do. And amongst those looking forward to updating and studying will be Nooses Bryan Dukas, the son of the esteemed visitor, Mike Dukas.
When we look back over the recent results of both the above- named sporting clubs, it would indeed be very gratifying for the parents of our community.
Should their children decide that they wish to pursue a career in one of the above clubs, they will train under some of the best: the discipline, coaching, guidance and leadership from Mark Evans and crew (boxing) and Brian Dukas and panel (karate.). The experience, knowledge and results they have accumulated over the years speak for themselves.
Many thanks and long may they continue to teach.
