Saturday was a big day for Noosa Pirates Rugby League when they played host to home games against Gympie: for Pirates it was a clean sweep, winning all three games. There was a good attendance as this was to be the first time that a new trophy the Noel Haslan Shield, was to be played for: this is to be an annual event between Gympie and the Noosa Pirates A grade teams. The trophy was named in memory of a young man who, over the years had the occasion to play for both clubs.
Saturday was to be Pirates day when the A grade ran home winners with the final score of 52-12. However, the score was, in all fairness not a true indicator, as Gympie played above their final score. For Pirates, their backline showed plenty of speed and several raids into Gympie territory caused havoc, when Pirates chose to run the ball out wide. After 11minutes Pirates were in front 16-0: however, Gympie hit back when fullback Tyler Drayton running with the backs found a gap and scored, the kick was converted making it 16-6.Noosa regrouped and again scored out wide but missing with the kick ,led 20 -6. By half time both teams had scored again and going into the break score stood at 26-12, Noosa.
In the second half it was all Pirates game: by full time Pirates had scored an additional 26-0 points. During this time, it was obvious that a major factor was the superior speed of the Pirates back line as Gympie lacked the fitness to move up fast and smother the attack. For Pirates their number 9 Hayden Trask had a good game, with his distribution from dummy half being good: with Kurtis Shayler in the centres (three tries) and Alex Copelin full back (four tries) being allowed to run, it was a disaster. For Gympie, Ben Buggy at lock had a good game showing lots of heart and determination with his non- stop defence: as did Ryler Drayton.
At the completion of the game members of the Haslan family participated in the presentation to the Pirates. This is a good trophy with a lot of prestige and one worth striving for. In other games Nooses Women defeated Gympie 24-16 and their Reserves were to fit and strong, coming home winners 40-10. We remind our local supporters of our up and coming, home games and look forward to their full support: taking on board the fact that with a fast backline and good continues feed from the number 9 this team is showing great possibilities for the season ahead.
A big thank you from the Pirates to their Major Club Partners: Always Cool Air Conditioning, Tewantin- Noosa RSL and Allroad Surfaces. Without the sponsorship and loyal support of these and others, the road to success would indeed be difficult.
The following dates are for the Noosa fans the most important: the home games. With all being Saturdays, the dates are June12 vs Nambour, June 19 vs Caboolture, June 26 vs Maroochydore and July17 vs Beerwah. The grounds for the finals, which start Saturday July31, are yet to be announced.
For the Noosa Dolphins Rugby their seniors had a bye but the senior women played Nambour and in a one- sided affair won 57-0. Saturday May 22 Dolphins will host a full round of fixtures against Maroochydore with the first game starting at 12.30. A great afternoon of rugby is assured.
