By Ron Lane
Sport in Noosa, last Saturday could not have been better. For Dolphins Rugby Union and Pirates Rugby League, it was definitely a big day and with perfect weather it was Noosa at its’ best. With both codes, not only hosting teams from Caloundra, but also acknowledging Anzac Day with ceremonies being performed on their fields, prior the games, it was to be commended.
At Dolphin Oval the of the Ode to The Fallen, was read by a young Jack Frey and this was followed by the playing of the Last Post. For Noosa Pirates, the Ode was read by a representative of their long- time sponsor, the Tewantin- Noosa RSL, Phil Granger, in the presence of the RSL President, Captain Adel Amin. However, the playing of Last Post caused something of a sensation when it was played by an 11yr old school boy, Jeremiah Montgomery. His beautiful rendition, was so well received with loud applause, that there can be no doubt that it set the atmosphere for the day. It was good to see the support and respect shown by the big crowds in attendance.
For the Noosa Dolphins the day was something of a double header. Apart from hosting four games in the Colts, Women’s, Reserve and Seniors Divisions they also invited all sponsors to be in attendance as guests of honour. It was for the Dolphins, what club President Donald McKill described as ‘Super Saturday.’’ In his welcome speech, he acknowledged the attendance of the mayor Clare Stewart and councillor Alison Hamblin and thanked them for their support. He acknowledged the fact that the council had contributed toward major improvements of the club house. “I cannot say enough about our sponsors, they are our heart and soul- they make the place tick. To Ray White our major sponsor, who has been with us now for several seasons and all other sponsors, thank you for staying with us during these hard times. I would also like our supporters to know that a lot of these people also sponsor other sports.”
He then went on to give a special vote of thanks to the women on the committees of the club and acknowledged their attendance. “It is now several years since the women first became heavily involved and some of that original group, is still working for the club; they are definitely fundamental to the running of the club. We are now at the for -front of our community. Thank you, ladies, for your hard work.”
Unfortunately, the importance of sponsors within some clubs is often overlooked so it is good to see some clubs giving public acknowledgment. Out on the playing field for the Dolphins it was their day, winning all four grades. For the Colts it was a 55-5 win, Women’s 57-10 Reserve Grade 38-5.The main game, saw the Seniors complete the rout with a with good tight forward play being the main factor in their 34-12 win
Over at Pirate Park, home of rugby league, it was also a great afternoon of football, with a big crowd in attendance to witness the Pirates do battle with the Caloundra Sharks. In the main game Pirates came out the winners 34-12. This was a game that was very entertaining: fast and with the ball being moved about, it was an open game. For the Pirates supporters, perhaps the most pleasing aspect was the performance of their back line. Nicely spaced and running on to the ball, they showed plenty of speed: and with a solid forward pack they have showed the possibility of being a premiership threat. Caloundra performed better than the score indicated: in the second half they started to put on the pressure, but didn’t maintain their push. It is hoped that with the Pirates display on Saturday, the supporters will flock back to Pirates Park. In other games, Division2, Caloundra won 32-18, Under 18 Noosa won 52-20 and, in the Women’s,’ Caloundra won18-0.
Down the coast on Saturday, at Alexandria Headlands and Mooloolaba, the final events of the Australian Surf Life Saving, Surf Sports Championships, in the u/17 to Open category were held. For Noosa the most outstanding performance came from Nick Sloman, who for the third year in a row, won the men’s open surf race. To win this blue- ribbon event for three consecutive years is indeed an incredible achievement. In the U/17 Iron Woman Fin Ella Gibbs-Beal won bronze , Kirra Moloner won Gold in the open long board surfing Female, and Noosa won a silver in the Open Surfing teams. Several other members performed well to make semis and finals.
In the boat section, Noosa had its best Australian Titles ever, with 5 crews making it through to the top twelve in the senior division, to line up on final day. ‘Unfortunately, two crews, the Bandits (Reserve Women’s) and the Scrub Turkeys ( U/23Womens) bowed out in semi-finals. In the Women’s 140+ Masters, the Bandits won bronze and the Kookaburras rowed well to win the bronze in the U/19s Women’s. In the Open Women’s the Chums finished 4th and, in the Reserve, Women was also 4th: both crews being tipped on the line.
The results of the Noosa boat crews, at National and State titles, plus other major carnivals during the season, has resulted in the club having its best season ever, in its surf boat history. Well done to all involved. Mid- week saw the Noosa First Aid teams in competition and once again their results have been outstanding: winning 2 gold,2 silver and 1 bronze medal. The Golds were won by the U/15 and U/ 19s teams, the silver by the U/17 and U/19 (second team) and the bronze by the U/17 (second team). With the increase work load for our First Aid people during patrol hours, the standard of training has to be first class: this results in the competition for First Aid teams at State and National Titles being the highest level ever. Now at last, this type of competition is getting its due respect-and rightly so.
The overall team results saw Noosa finish 8th in the U/17 to the Opens Division and 6th in the Masters
For our mates over the hill at Sunshine Beach, they also had a successful title: winning 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. The 2 silvers medals, came from the ski and board relays in the U/17 girls: the fact that both teams, which consist of 3 members each, had the same three doing both races, has been an outstanding achievement: and the young ladies who performed so well for Sunshine were, Grace Otto, Abbie Talano and Gemna Smith. The bronze medal won in the 2kl swim, was achieved by Clair Gerrington. When comparing the size of the Sunshine competition team to other bigger clubs, their efforts are always something in which to take pride.
