By Ron Lane
Rugby League.
For the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, the present situation has definitely been very up and down.In the senior grade the A’s Reserve and Women’s grades, have been (because of the present situation) cut for the season. But for the U/18s, it is a different story.
“It has been bad luck, for our senior but it has worked out well for the U/18,” said General Manager Brett Winkler. “Despite several discussions, to enter the Brisbane Rugby League, the problems of travel made it virtually impossible to come to an agreement for senior competition. However, the competition for the juniors division, is organised and going strong and this season our U/18s are in there with them. To get this season settled has been very difficult, but things are now moving in a very positive way. I would sincerely like to thank our sponsors; they have stood by us all along; they have been great; and the parents also. From these people we couldn’t have asked for more.”
This week, starting Friday afternoon at 6.30, Round 5 will commence at Cooroy with games for both the U/16 and U/18, boys and girls and Saturday a total of 12 games will be played starting at 9am. “The kids are happy to be out and the crowds are great. But there is one problem: we badly need first aid officers and sport trainers: we will be only to happy to talk to any interested parties. We are all aware that the 20 /21 seasons are going to present a real challenge. But we have the backing of all our people and despite everything, there is a positive feeling.
Rugby Union.
Over the other side of town at Dolphin Park, their code still has an A grade competition and after just three games they at present are at the top of the ladder. Last Saturday the A grade travelled to Caboolture, winning in convincing style 31-3 against their As, but lost the women’s 25-12. In Brisbane where the Colts U/19, travelled to play Wests the Dolphins came home the winners 24-9.
Dolphins Senior Club President Donald McKill said, “For us the season has started very well. The atmosphere at training is very positive and physical and this is good: this weekend we face our toughest test when we travel to Sippy Downs to play University.”
Good to see that as in the rugby league, the junior ranks are also very strong with a total of seventeen teams competing. Last weekend teams ranging from U/6 to U/17 took part in the competition. “With so many teams registered,” said Hayden Thomas,” each weekend three clubs will play host: this weekend the three will be Gympie, St Andrews College Peregian and Noosa. For us this weekend all 17 teams will play on Saturday on their home ground.
So far it has definitely been a great season. We have some 300 players signed up and they are still some coming in to join. But the major factor has been the reaction of the parents to the health regulations : they have been a real shining light. It has been great to see.”
Rowing.
In the sports section of Noosa Surf Club, their seventy-one-year tradition of rowing surf boats is under way for yet another season. Following a very successful team barbecue and week later a Sunday morning Learn to Row Session (held at Nooses Main Beach), all indications for the season ahead are positive.
The Sunday learn to row session started with the rookies assembling in front of the club house, for time on the skillrow machines. It was here that they received their first indication as to what lays ahead in the sport of rowing. Then it was down to the beach and into the boats. Spokesperson for the rowers Kate Tomba said, “This has been a very successful morning. It gave the rookies a good look at the boats and training techniques. At present it looks like we will have some 13 crews competing: but best of all there will be crews from several different divisions. There will be both male and female in U/19 and U/23,female in reserve grade and males in the masters. One of our lady u/23 crews, will travel every weekend from Brisbane: to assist in their river training, we would like to find a retired sweep who could possibly take them for training sessions on the Brisbane river. For our local training we now have three sweeps registered.”
At this moment a possible boat carnival has been pencilled in for the end of October at Bundaberg. Last week, the director of Surf Sports Peter French, called a competitors meeting (which included parents) to brief on what’s ahead in both sport and safety regulations. With so many of our youth competing this was a very good move.
Outriggers.
Our people in the Outriggers club are also in a positive, progressive, state of mind. On Sunday August 30, at the Noosa Farmers Market (situated on the AFL football grounds), they will hold a public display of their Outrigger Canoes: so, don’t be shy, stop have a look and a chat. Remember, the Outrigger has a very interesting history and background: also, membership is available.
Then on Saturday 5 September, from 8am – 10, it is the big one. Come and Try Day. On this day, people will get the opportunity to try out in a 6-person, outrigger canoe. For those interested in trying further, there will be an offer of 3 free paddles over 3 weeks, before committing to membership. For those attending, the assembly point will be Chaplin Park, Mill Street, Noosaville: bring a cap( not a hat) towel, sun screen, bottle of water and a dry change of clothes.
Then further to this, on 12 September the Annual River Race Regetta will be held, an event which our club is proud to host. A total of 24 clubs from the South Queensland Zone have registered: they will compete in short and long course races, on the Noosa River. As a lot of similar events have been held back because of the virus, the Noosa officials are over the moon having the opportunity to host this Covid safe regatta.
Racing will be for juniors and seniors, male and female, paddling in OC1s (single seat canoes)OC2s (two seat crews) and the big ones (six seat crews) within the river and sounds of Noosa. Because under normal times the crews usually train and compete out at sea, the people get little chance to have a close up look at the competitive side of the sport. However, this once a year spectacular gives them that opportunity.
The role of our juniors in every sport, is of the utmost importance. Therefore, it is good to see and hear, the efforts that our administrators, in all sports, have taken to ensure that health regulations have been strictly adhered to. While on the matter of youth, it was good to hear that the Noosa Surf Club won the award for the Best Surf Club Youth Education Program on the Sunshine Coast, Darren Mercer OAM Coach of the Year and Lana Rogers Athlete of the Year. The achievements of Lana Rogers who, coached by Sharlene Kelly, won the Coolangatta Gold and the Nutri Grain Iron Woman Championship of Australia, (just to mention a few) have been to say the least, outstanding.
