Ron Lane
Once again, on 22 April the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club hosted the traditional Anzac Day Rugby League Fixture at Pirate Park. Complete with invited dignities, old diggers and the visiting Maroochydore and Caloundra Rugby League Clubs, plus the playing of the Last Post it was indeed a fine gesture of respect: respect to all those men and women who, down through the many conflicts served our great Nation.
After his welcome to all servicemen and women past and present, club President Liam Anlezark then spoke of what had been a day of entertaining football. “It was great to have our first home game for the 23 season at Pirate Park. It was a fantastic day of football with our juniors playing in the morning and then a full afternoon of senior football, on this our Anzac Day fixture.
The main game of the day Division 1 Pirates vs Maroochydore, saw Pirates go down 28-20. “Our team started the game really strong,” said coach Mick Duff, “hitting our marks and coming away with points. Unfortunately, errors and penalties late in the first half gave Maroochydore the lead going into half time.
The second half was for us a mixed game with errors coming out of our own end. This was the difference that saw us go down 28-20.Our best player of the day was Rohan Messer scoring a great first half try and being held up over the line three more times. We now have a week off before taking on Kawana.”
The mistake rate deep in Pirates territory late in the first half, is something that their coaching staff is sure to address.
In Division 2, despite being up 10-0 at half time, Pirates against Caloundra, failed to control the game in the second half and paid the price going down 20-16. Concentration and ball control is sure to be on the agender for training sessions. “Their next game is sure to be a tough one when we travel away to play Stanley Rivers on Friday week,” said coach Danny Riddle.
In the U 19s against Caloundra Pirates went down 42-16 thus showing that it is going to be a long hard winter with a total rethink and attitude towards all aspects of their game. It was then up to the lady’s team, the Bendigo Community Bank Team, who showed a real gutsy effort in finishing their game with a 16 all draw against Caloundra.
“We played with a massive improvement in our defence cutting our missed tackles by half. There can be no doubt that this was the big factor in our girls holding last season’s premiers to a draw.
To add to this great result, Emily Garrett and Maria Graf have gained selection in the Sunshine Coast Falcons: we will support both eagerly as we have a weekend off before playing Kawana. It’s important to bring consistency into our performance after this really positive step forward.” Coach Robert Burgin.
As per tradition, the fun game of the Pirates Greybeards (the Old Boys) played to a happy crowd against their opposition: and with guest members Emily Garrett and Kaylee running strong it was indeed a joyous occasion.
“The scoreboard results in our men’s games were not what we had hoped for,” said the club President Liam Anlezark. “However, a very big well done to our ladies who came from behind to hold last seasons premiers to a draw. A big crowd attended and a big thank you to all : greybeards, supporters and in particular our visitors Maroochydore Swans and Caloundra Sharks.”
Pickleball.
The recent annual Noosa Pickleball Doubles Tournament celebrated its fourth year and this popular event was attended by players from all over the country. A record number of 178 entrants, from all over the country registered to play. This club runs a very well organised event. Tournament Director Miriam Brace spent hundreds of hours preparing for the tightly scheduled two-day event: this resulted in a tournament that went off without a hitch.
The two-day carnival saw Saturday cater for Intermediate Players and Sunday for the Advanced. Each player was guaranteed a minimum of 4 games in each event. Events included age /skill’s-based men’s, women’s and mixed doubles: with ages ranging from 26 to 77.
The tournament committee was pleased to be able to offer low entry fees, as well as souvenir gifts to every player. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded to each of the 15 events. The event, which was held at the Noosa Leisure Centre, can only be described as a great success. For a relatively new sport, to be running such successful events as this is indeed an outstanding advertisement for the future of the sport in Noosa and indeed the state.
