Tewantin Noosa Lions to the rescue

Lana Rogers accepts the defibrillator from Michael Roach and Bill Batillana. Photo: Rob Maccoll

The life of a young lady, who suffered a major heart problem while training at a local gym, was saved by the fact that a defibrillator was nearby, and a staff member, trained in the application, was on hand. This only tends to emphasise the fact that this apparatus is not only for the older generation: heart problems do have a tendency to not only hit the young but also, strange as it may seem, the young athletes.

When the Tewantin Noosa Lions received a request from the Tewantin school for assistance to obtain a defib to be stored on the swimming pool premises, they took immediate action and as a result a defib was donated by them to the school swimming club. In a quiet, early morning ceremony, two members of the Lions board of directors, Michael Roach and Bill Battilana, arrived at the Tewantin pool to make the presentation. In attendance for the presentation, was pool lessee Margaret Rogers and daughter Lana. Accepting the defib on behalf of the school Lana, Australia’s current reigning Nutri Grain Iron Woman champion and pool assistant said, “On behalf of the school I would like to thank the Lions for this donation. It is a fantastic gesture, one that the school really appreciates. With swimmers of all ages attending aqua aerobic classes and training sessions, it is good to know that we have the defib on the premises. It is will be available for adults as well as students.’’

Speaking on behalf of Lions ,Michael Roach said, “We are very proud to be able to make this presentation. However, this is not just our only involvement. We are also funding three disabled children in learn to swim programs, just one of the many projects that we have undertaken for this year.’’

Projects for which our community should be very grateful.

For the Ray White Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club, this promises to be a big weekend. This Friday at noon, the club will host what is always looked upon as the ticket of the year – the now-famous Dolphins Long Lunch. The big attraction, apart from the good food, wine and friendship, is the list of guest speakers. Drawn from the legends of the game, they will be sure to hold your attention. Last year saw the cancellation of the event because of Covid-19 so the demand for tickets this year is sure to be big. So, for late bookings call 0437 013 648.

For the Dolphins, last weekend was an away game with the club travelling to Caboolture. Team flyer tells us that with both the women and the Colts on a bye weekend, some of the youths were given the opportunity to show their talent in the Reserve and A grade teams. The Reserve grade coaching panel of Grant Gleeson, Mark Winder and Mark Johnson, was particularly pleased with the performance of their squad. Last weekend’s win of 74-0 should consolidate their position on the ladder. Natt Forrest, Jillian Scott-Davis and Dean Berkhurst all had great games and their efforts were noted.

In the A grade, debutants Ben Condon, Tyson Schefe and Ben Ashman, gave a standout performance in Noosa’s winning margin of 47-10.Despite being on debut, Ben Condones’ game saw him win the Player of the Day. All indications are that the Dolphins will be looking forward to a successful finals’ series. We wish them well.

Saturday for the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club was indeed a busy day with a reunion for the Old Boys and Life Members, and playing host to the visiting Beerwah Club. With three games on the agenda, it was a full- on afternoon.The ladies went down to the visitors 20-18, beaten on the bell, and for the u/18 it was not their day, going down to Beerwah 40-10.

With the A grade taking the field at 5.30pm, the Pirates ran out hoping for better things. Beerwah was first to put scores on the board, when a good break by their left wing was finished off by their hard running centre, Melino Fineaganofa . The kick was unsuccessful but it gave a start of 4-0. Following some good work in centre field, Pirates hit back when Seaton Reid broke through on the 14th minute to score near the posts. A converted try saw Pirates lead 6-4.However, in what can only be described as a lapse in defence two minutes later, Beerwah centre Melino Fineaganofa again ran almost the length of the field to score wide of the post. The conversion hit the post but it gave Beerwah a lead of 8-6. Beerwah scored again, with some heavy barging up centre field to score near the posts and convert. Beerwah 14-6. With Pirates running out wide, a loose ball on their left wing saw Beerwah in again 18-6.Things did not get better for Pirates when the opposition right wing made a good clear run and turning infield, cut the defence for some 40 metres to make it 24-6 at half time.

It was obvious at half time that the major problem for Pirates was a combination of erratic defence plus being up against a forward pack that was twice their size. With their size advantage, plus two fast running forwards, they had total control when attacking up the centre. Noosa hit back quickly in the second half with a try by Curtis Schaller following a good break by Seaton Reid, to make it 24-12 Beerwah.

With the big forward pack continuing to dominate, the score moved to 28-12, and with their ability to keep the play, for the majority of second half in centre field, they continued to cross the Pirate line, winning with a final score of 40-18. In previous games, the attacking moves from the Pirates halves was, at times, outstanding. But with the bigger Beerwah forwards moving up, there was little protection for the halves, thus putting a stop to the sweeping runs of previous games. However, our smaller pack never faltered. They continued to hustle the bigger boys. It was not enough and the day definitely belonged to Beerwah.