Boxing
The recent Sunshine Coast Boxing Championships, which is an annual event, hosted and run by the Impact Boxing and Fitness Club, was without a doubt one of the most successful sporting events held within our community in recent years. Owner and Head Coach of the club Mark Evans, was definitely over the moon with the overall success of the event.
‘’It was not only for the boxing, but also for local business houses who definitely experienced increased trading for the period of the tournament,’’ said Coach Evans. ‘’I would like to publicly acknowledge all our sponsors and family supporters, and in particular, all the clubs who came to compete: remembering that they came from as far north as Cairns and south from Victoria and NSW. And in particular the Noosa District High School who has given us great us support over the years.”
The event was supported with over 200 nominations from boxers all over Queensland and interstate. Out of the number nominated, match makers managed to pair off an evenly matched total of 70 bouts ( 140 boxers attended the event).
So, with a program of 70 plus, a total of 400 to 500 people walking through the doors, and a program that started at 10am, going through till 10pm a great night of boxing was assured: and it was, the biggest and most successful boxing event ever on the Sunshine Coast.
For the Impact boxing team of 12 fighters, they finished with a total of 9 wins. Coach Evans was happy. “The three losses were extremely close, as the coach I am extremely proud of the efforts of the team and their performance. We only hold this event once a year, so it’s great for them to box in front of their home crowd, their families, friends and supporters. A big thank you to our community for their support,” he said.
‘’This is an event that continues to grow and get bigger and bigger each year. For next year the club is looking at a major restructuring of the event. The big factor would be to have two boxing rings going at the same time. With the continued growth of this event, we are anticipating some 80 to 100 bouts: this concept will be given some very serious thought. There is no reason why it can’t be done.“
One aspect that the organisers are strict about, is that anything sold at the event, is bought locally. “This is our way of saying a big thank you to our local businesses that have supported us for so long. Also, we had 40 sponsors in total, who sponsored the title belts presented to the winners. These are factors that makes us appreciate our sponsors: and I can assure you that we took great pride in presenting the belts to winners.”
With the on- going local sponsorship, the new concept of having two rings running at the same time and winners belts (designed by Kylie Evans wife of the head coach Mark Evans) presented, instead of the old fashion silver cups: a new era for boxing on the Sunshine Coast has begun. These are belts that will be treasured by both fighters and their families. Definite new concepts. Two-ring system and championship belts. “These shows are the pinnacle of our year and we take great pride in presenting them to the local community. A big thank you to all involved.’
In closing there will be some comparison between this event and the famous Tournament of Champions, held years ago in the famous fight town of Gympie. The occasion for this, was to mark the move from the amateur ranks to the professional, of the famous brothers, Wally and Ollie Taylor, both national champions’ This event was held before a standing room only crowd in the old Gympie RSL Hall: a night that went down in Australian amateur boxing history.
Rugby League
For the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club last weekend was indeed successful. A busy weekend of football, saw Pirates juniors against Kilcoy, the women, reserves and A grade all hit out against Caboolture. In keeping up with club tradition, before the main game, a ceremony was held honouring the Anzac Tradition, with Tewantin Noosa RSL in attendance.
For the Juniors against Kilcoy, it was a good game with both playing good tight football, resulting in a 6 all draw. Standouts for Noosa, were fullback Lucas Palmer and forward Blair Eyan. Noosa was unluck, when with just minutes to go a penalty which would have won the game for Pirates went wide. This side is improving every week and with some players returning for next weeks’ game against Yandina, they will be hungry for a win.
In the women’s game against Caboolture, their first half saw a big improvement: a strong run from Emily Garrett saw her scoring a great try. However, the Caboolture side was too good with their completion rate and size, running out winners 20 to 12. Highlights for Noosa came from Keara Woods and forward Makayla Matt- West, who scored a breakaway try. Nicola Bradford was great as always; however, she left the field with an injury: hopefully she will be right for next week when they play Beerwah.
Next was Pirates reserve grade against Caboolture. After a sloppy start Pirates settled and their defence was fantastic on their goal line which saw them turn Caboolture away. Noosa backrower Jordan Mathewman, scored a good try then Glen Jarrett scored a few minutes later off a great pass from five-eight Zane Embleton.
Noosa went into the break 14 to 6, after Jackson Madden scored a nice try out wide. The second half was a battle between the two sides, with Noosa halfback Zane Keen leading the team and sealing the game with a great try assist for Garretts second try. One of the highlights was an improved ball control by Pirates: this being a big factor in their 18 to 10 win.
The main game of the day was Pirates A grade vs Caboolture: with the Pirates wearing a beautiful Anzac tribute jersey, designed by EV2 honouring our veterans. A slow start and untimely penalties gave Caboolture to much possession, which saw them score the opening two tries. Noosa however, won the centre field play which led to fullback Patrick McGinn putting his winger Will Cousens over to score Pirates first try in the corner.
Then it was again Patrick McGinn cutting through Caboolture’s defence and scoring the second try. Late errors and further penalties, saw Caboolture score their third try going into the break 14 to 12.
However, second half was all Pirates, with five-eight Matt Craven dominating play with his kicking and running game, leading to further tries by Will Cousins scoring his second and third of the night. Not to be outdone by his brother, hooker Dyllan, crossed for a double. Centre Lachlan Santana crossed the line in his first game back from suspension, off a crafty pass from halfback, Hayden Trask.
Matt Craven sealed the win for Noosa in the 71st minute cutting through the defence with a strong run. This saw Noosa run out winners 42 to 18; putting us first place on the ladder,” said coach Duff, “and the last undefeated side in the competition. Next weekend will be the real test for us against last seasons premiers Beerwah, who has had a host of key players return to their team.”
In summarising the reserves and A grade games their passing and good ball control, played a major part in their wins. This plus good support running is good indications for the season ahead.
Surf lifesaving.
Well done, to a group of 13 to 15 youth from the Noosa club for their efforts at the Australian titles. Word from Chairman Shaun Baker. “In both and the U15 2×1 km beach relay and the U15 mixed First Aid Gold, Champion Lifesaver and 2x1km Beach Relay Silver and Board Rescue 7th.”
Sadly, Chairman Shaun Baker will be stepping down after four years’ service: happy to say we won’t lose him as he will be working in a different capacity. A great Chairman and great clubmate. We wish him all the very best in his new role.
