By Ron Lane
With restrictions regarding Covid-19 being eased in Queensland, club training activities and competition will be back on the agenda and our local clubs will endeavour to keep their supporters and sponsors fully informed.
All club presidents, managers, coachers and players have expressed a sincere vote of thanks to those hundreds of sponsors and supporters who have stood by their clubs in these trying times.
A flyer released by Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club general manager Brett Winkler brings supporters and family members of junior players up to date. This Saturday Noosa Pirates will travel south to Kawana and take on the Dolphins and Colts in week one of the SCGRL final series. Both Always Cool Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Division 1 and u/18 teams did a great job finishing in third position on the ladder after regular fixtures and some time off. They are now at full strength heading into the end of season games that really count.
Both Pirates’ teams go round this Saturday 28 August at Kawana, with the u/18s up against the Coolum Colts at 2.15pm and the big Division 1 game, against the Kawana Dolphins at 5.30pm.
Coming up soon in week two of the finals action, the SC Glass & Aluminium open women’s team, go round in their first finals appearance. The Noosa club will be hosting the minor semi final at Pirate Park on Sunday 5 September for senior teams, and fingers crossed, the ladies will be turning out at home.
Junior u/10 to u/17 Pirate teams will conduct their presentation this Thursday afternoon 26 August starting at 5pm.The general manager also expressed his thanks to the diehard rugby league fans for their patience regarding the Melbourne Storm, who are still under Level 3 protocols. As soon as that changes, they will get the opening training and fan day happening.
‘’Despite the hardship and restrictions,” said club president Paul Dwyer, ‘’we believe that this has been a great public relations exercise as well as a big boost for club morale. To have a top NRL club such as Melbourne training on the fields of a small country club such as ours is not only good for Pirates, but also the game of rugby league in general. It has always been the policy of Pirates to help promote our code where ever and whenever possible.”
Over the other side of town at Ray White Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union club, they are also back in action this coming weekend. With restrictions on community sports being lifted over the weekend, the Dolphins were straight back into training on Saturday morning. All four grades had a light training run in preparation for the final round games of the season this weekend. Teams are heading to Sippy Downs to play University. The outcome of these games will determine who plays the Noosa teams in semi- final match ups, on Saturday 4 August. Dolphin Oval will host all the action in the semi final showdown.
Club president Donald McKill said, “The club is hoping for a huge turnout from the Noosa community to get behind our Colts, women’s, reserve and A grade sides, in what we hope will be a blockbuster weekend of rugby.”
Should the A grade win the semi-final, the grand final will be held back at Dolphin Oval on the 18th September. A loss will see them in a play off game and venue to be confirmed on Saturday 11 September.
On the junior rugby front, the news could not be better.
“In what is the first time in eight years, the Dolphins will have a team from every grade going into the final round,” said junior president Zoe Griffen.
Obviously we wish all our teams and coaches all the very best, and hope Noosa Rugby will have a huge representation down at Sunshine Coast Stadium for the finals on the 11th of September. These results are indeed great for the Dolphins. To have a good junior division creates a milestone for the future. To see that all teams have made the final rounds, tells us that the junior president must indeed, have a great support team, a team working in conjunction with each other. When a junior division develops and becomes successful, the next big component is of course, talent identification. Good luck and well done to Zoe and her team.
Good to see that Noosa Little Athletics was also back at training on Friday nights.
“The response has been good,” said head coach Mick Hooper.
“Our first Friday night of club competition, will be held on September 17 at 5 pm followed by the second, on September 24 at 5pm. These nights are open to the public and those young ones (u/6-u/17) who would like to try the sport, are welcome to come along and have a go at the different events.”
Those who wish to sign up online can do so on Little Athletics Facebook or Little Athletics website.
The long- awaited information regarding the big event of the year, the Noosa Gift has finally been decided and as can be expected, it is very disappointing.
“Because of the restrictions and the situation in other states, and major cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, it was decided at a recent meeting to postpone the event for this year. Hopefully all will be OK for 2022,” said coach Hooper.
Good to see those brave little athletes of the Noosa Seahorse Nippers, will be back on the sand for four weeks in October. Because of the health regulations, the organiser had experienced several changes to their program: first was August because of Covid, then September because it would clash with school holidays, but now it is settled: four weeks in October. It will be great to see these little people back on Noosa’s Main Beach doing their swims, runs and their ski paddles, assisted by their carers (qualified lifesavers).
This organisation, which has been performing for 10 years, has for all that time been under the management and dedicated care of foundation members, Steve and Nikki Mawby, and their incredible support team, some working on the beach and some in the water. Also, there is that very important team, the bus boys. It is these old boys, who organise the bus service that transports the little nippers and parents from the Lions Park over through traffic to Main Beach (totally supported by our local council). With some of these little warriors, being confined to wheelchairs, the bus service makes travelling from Lions Park to the beach and back so much safer.
It is now 10 years since Steve and Nikki Mawby took the first steps in organising what was to become known as the Seahorse Nippers: a branch in lifesaving, the sole purpose of which is to help families whose children are in need of assistance.
Down through the years there have been many visitors, VIPs from both state and national levels, and representatives from other Queensland clubs as well as NSW. All were impressed by what they saw and, on several occasions, Steve was invited to visit interested clubs and this he has done. The achievements and respect that Steve and his team have earned have gone beyond all expectations. To see these little athletes swimming and running through the sand has indeed made it all worthwhile.
It is therefore understandable, that this organisation has earned the respect and never-ending support of the club’s life members and Old Boys. So, when the month of October rolls around, and health regulations permitting, this group, now affectionally known as the Gom Squad (Grumpy Old Men) will be there to help and handle any problems that may arise. It’s their way of saying well done and many thanks. Without a doubt the Seahorse Nippers are the most successful team ever in the Noosa club’s 93-year history.
