Head coach of the Noosa Athletics Mick Hooper has again been kept busy.
Recently, he had our high school training squad competing at the district Track and Field trials for both North and Independent Districts at the University of the Sunshine Coast Facility.
“Those athletes who finished top two in their age group, are invited to compete at the Sunshine Coast Regional Trials to be held at the USC on the 30 and 31 August.
“Our squad members really enjoyed the chance to get into competition mode after months of solid training, and 12 athletes progressed through to the regional trials.
“Multiple personal best performances, two top finishers and a couple of district records: Taya Clayton 100m, and Luca Gerrard [in] long jump.
“Competition will be more competitive at regional level with only the top placed finishers automatically qualifying through to the state championships. The remaining competitors will have to make the difficult state qualifying standards if they wish to progress.
“We wish all the best to our young athletes as they progress through the 2023 school season.
“Our Noosa Athletics Club, would again like to congratulate and wish all the best to Kristie Edwards who has been rewarded for her terrific European season with selection on to the Australian women’s team for the 4×100 relay at the World Athletics Championships. These titles commenced on the 19th August in Budapest, Hungary “
To understand exactly the competition that our athletes are up against when attending world championships, competing at these titles there is a total of 202 countries.
Representing Australia in the 100m sprint Rohan Browning, known to his team-mates as the Flying Mullet, made the semi-finals and finished in fourth place in a time of 10.11, missing the final by just 0.01 sec. Missed the final, but still a great effort against the world’s best.
Good news from the club tells us that Tanya Mattila has joined the Noosa Little Athletics committee, as their public relations officer.
It comes at the right time as they are about to embark on a new season. With this season being their 50th year of community athletics, they will be targeting new parents who are eager to gets their kids involved.
Three well designed and presented flyers from Little Athletics Queensland with each telling their own little story, are now in circulation. The first tells us, We are community – Come and try athletics. Ever wanted to give athletics a go? Meet new friends, spend quality time with family, have fun and achieve your personal best? Participate in a variety of running, throwing and jumping events while being surrounded by a supportive community!
Second flyer states- We are family, fun and fitness – have fun with friends and family. Do you love having fun with your friends, improving your skills and achieving your personal best? If you have answered yes, then Little Athletics is the perfect sport for you! Have fun with the ones you love and improve your fundamental motor skills along the way! We would love to have you as a part of our Little Athletics Community.
Flyer three states- We are foundation of all sports – Five reasons why you should register for Little Athletics. Meet new people, and spend time with your family and friends. Participate in a variety of different events at your weekly meets. Improve your physical fitness and mental wellbeing. Have the opportunity to participate at local centre meets and state competitions. Achieve your personal best and continue to improve your skills. To register now-laq.org.au
With the three flyer promotion documents and the appointment of Tanya Mattila as their public relations officer (print media) all indications are that Noosa Little Athletics is off to a great season: and never forget, that this was the home of the Noosa Gift.
Good luck to all. The information obtained from reading the flyers gives a great introduction as to what can be achieved by the families who join the world of track and field.
Rugby League
Last regular home game of the season for Pirates saw the A grade take on Caloundra and with top players returned they took to the field in a very determined state of mind. For head coach Mick Duff it was definitely a happy outcome.
“We were boosted by the return of captain Dan Moveao, hooker Dillan Cousens and forward Kayd North, who provided much needed leadership on the field. Missing a lot of regular players from our squad resulted in a large number of u/19’s backing up: all did a tremendous job.
“On the back of strong running forwards BJ Richardson and Brad Partington we went into the half time break leading Caloundra 14 to 4, following two tries to Dyllan Cousens and one to Will Cousens. We started really strong in the second half with a try to Brandon Mayhew, who had just returned after missing 10 rounds due to injury.
“A second half double to centre Zane Embleton ensured our win before Dylan Cousens scored his third just before full time. The win ensured we finished the season in third position and secured the home game semi- final against Maroochydore next Saturday. We have a few players returning from injuries next week which we desperately need we as we are coming up against the defending premiers.”
A very pleasing aspect from the Pirates was the centre field running of their forward pack, giving them good attacking options.
Yet again captain Dan Moveao led the way with a solid game. The defence while on their line was also much improved.
Caloundra made several good back-line moves and some good short kicking into the corners, but they failed to finish off. However, one such move saw Caloundra score.
On the final whistle it was Pirates 38,
Caloundra 14.
In Reserve grade Pirates travelled to Kawana for their elimination semi- final with high expectations. Falling behind early in the game they recovered to be trailing10-4 at half time. Tries by Kawana on half time and another early in the second half, left Pirates floundering .
Final score 36-16 Kawana.
However, performance overall, saw a much- improved performance from our people: and 2024 shows promise.
Bendigo Bank Noosa Women’s team found it hard going against reigning premiers Caloundra, finishing behind 26-4 on the score board. Caloundra was boosted by the return of Newcastle Knights centre Zoey Parfrement who finished with three tries.
Noosa ended the season low in forward numbers , but never stopped trying. Several gave their all with Allyce Garrett, teen fullback Keara Woods and Kaylee Pollard being amongst the never give ups. Big thanks to their supporters and volunteers.
More action in 2024.
Saturday will see Pirates vs Maroochydore in the sudden death A grade semi-final play-off at 6pm. Curtainraisers, u19s 3pm and ladies at 4.30pm.
Outriggers
Our man of the hour Colin Jones, brings us good news from the Noosa Outriggers.
“We had great results for Australia at the World Distance Championships in Samoa. The Aussies came home fifth overall behind New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii and Canada, with a medal tally of 5 gold and 3 bronze medals. Rose Edyvean was awesome taking gold in her race on an OC1, while Sandra Kennedy took a bronze as a part of the Australian Women’s Platinum (70 plus) team.
In the men’s, Muz Latham was part of the gold medal winning Platinum men’s team. All told we are so proud of our fellow Noosa Paddlers.”
Results from the Pier-to-Pier race, will be in next week’s column.
Karate
Karate Noosa will on Saturday conduct their kid’s u/14 Shotokan development seminar, Botanical Gardens Cooroy. First of its type in Queensland, it will be supervised by Head Sensei Bryan Dukas 6th Dan. Starting 8am finishing at 12, families invited, bring the lunch basket and enjoy the Gardens.
