By Ron Lane
Little Athletics
Once again, our Noosa Little Athletics have performed, and performed well, against top level competition.
The occasion was the Coles Little Athletics Championships (ALAC), the pinnacle event of the Little Athletics season for the under 13, 14 and 15 age groups.
Our people informed us that the athletes gathered at the South Australian Athletics Stadium in Adelaide for the two day event.
Noosa Head Coach Mick Hooper said, “Of the 97 athletes representing Queensland, three up and comers from Noosa, were part of the team experience, who travelled and stayed in Adelaide with team managers. Taya Clayton, Marlon Andrews and Luca Gerrard all competed for individual awards and their performances contributed towards the team trophies on offer.”
For Taya Clayton it was a very successful meet. In the U14 hurdling events her graceful style and speed saw her win gold in both the 80 and 200mt hurdle events. Taya achieved a new meet record of 12.12 in the 80-meter event, whilst also setting a new Queensland record at the same time. She once again showed incredible speed to win bronze in the 100mt sprint final.
Within 90 minutes of his 400 mt bronze medal finish, under 14’s athlete, Marlon Andrews competed in the 100 mt heat and qualified for the final. Marlon finished 5th in the final in 11.98 and 4th in the 200 in 23.94. Marlon has shown lots of versatility in the three track events: also, good signs for the seasons ahead.
Under 15’s athlete, Luca Gerrard continued his success as a rising star with a stunning performance in the triple jump.
According to a team official, “Each jump was fuelled with passion, perseverance and relentless pursuit of excellence: this attitude was to reward him with a gold medal winning jump of 12.37. The following day he showed his determination and skills competing in the long jump and winning the bronze medal.”
In a summary of the events, an official stated, “One of the most rewarding aspects was the sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship that permeated at the end of each day, with athletes spilling onto the field to cheer on their state relay teams. These Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships are a reminder of the power of fun and friendship.”
Head Coach Mick Hooper said, “The event has a wonderful history dating back to1973, and has provided incredible memories and experiences for so many talented athletes. Also, a big thank you to Coles for making it all possible.”
Noosa Outriggers
For the Noosa Outriggers, hosting this weeks’ racing at Rainbow Beach, all the paddlers are primed and ready to go.
There will be three big days of racing commencing Friday 9 May, with the OC 1s and 2s, having their main day of racing on Saturday: short and long course racing for Mixed, Men and Women, then a changeover race on Sunday.
Clubs will be travelling from Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay, Mooloolaba, Brisbane the Gold Coast and as far South as Coffs Harbour.
The organisers are expecting over 500 paddlers who will take to the water, representing some 20 clubs. It is indeed interesting to note that many of the Outrigger carnivals, require many miles of travel, Sydney and back and the far North Queensland. Always well supported, this goes to show that with little or no media support, it is a sport that is starting to catch on. So, a big well done to the ever faithful.
Rugby League
The sun came out at Pirate Park for a Sunday afternoon of footy. Opening the day saw Pirates under 17s finish with a strong win over Coolum 26-8. Next was the masters side, taking on Beerwah: this saw plenty of laughs and fun from the old boys.
Results from the A grade definitely put a smile on the face of Head Coach Michael Duff.
At the game’s end, Pirates vs Beerwah, it was a 26-8 win for the Pirates.
“Leading into the game we were boosted by Brody Baker returning from injury and the debut of new signing Jye Ballinger. Both sides started strongly, but it was Beerwah who scored first off the back of an error and penalty from us. From there we took control of the game going into halftime with a 12 to 4 lead, with tries to hooker Dyllan Cousens and middle forward Brody Baker. Pirates came out strong from the break dominating the opening 20 minutes of the second half with a powerhouse try from lock Harry Dwyer. Beerwah then hit back to score their second try off a well positioned field kick. The wet and greasy conditions became a factor for both teams in the latter stages of the game, with both teams struggling to complete the sets of six. The game was finally sealed when Ethan Pohlner took an intercept and ran 90 meters to score under the post. In the dying minutes Patrick McGinn topped off a great game by kicking a penalty goal at full time giving him a perfect kicking game 5 from 5 for the day. A lot of our players stood up today, playing out of position while we were missing 4 or 5 key players. I am really pleased to see the continued growth of the team: and we still have a long way to go with improvement.”
In the reserve grade Pirates had another slow start till they hit their straps mid-way through the first half: they then started to dominate.
Lachlan Proctor was huge up the middle and Zane Embleton was causing havoc on the edges of a tiring Gympie defence. Half time saw Pirates in the sheds 22 to 4 lead, and looking to put the game to bed in the second half. But hats off to the Gympie boys.
In front of a big home crowd, they got to within 12 points and really started to apply the pressure. Pirates’ defence held up and they were unlucky not to be awarded two more tries: but they came away with a 28-16 win. Glenn Jarrett was strong once again and Jai Turner was solid, putting in his best performance of the season.
The reserves will head back to Kawana next weekend looking to avenge our round 3 defeat.
For the Third Grade, Pirates travelled to Palmwoods to take on Yandina.
Yandina looked a different team to previous weeks with an influx of new players, while Pirates were without seven of their regular players.
“The recruitment process went into overdrive during the week to ensure we could field a team,” Tony McIlroy said.
“The team welcomed back a total of six players plus Assistant Coach Luke Martin. Despite this Pirates were still short a couple on the bench.Yandina scored to go to a six- point lead, before Noosa levelled the scores. On fifteen minutes Pirates lost second rower Arlo Kasmaroski to a shoulder injury. Yandina crossed the line next, then just before half time Pirates scored to make it level, 12-12. The Noosa team showed a lot of grit in the second half: the on- line defence was very gritty and determined. However, their ball control started to slip, thus losing possession and Yandina closed off the game scoring two tries to nil: giving them a 20-12 victory. For Pirates their players player was shared: centre Jared Melville and front rower Steen Rutledge. Man of the Match was also shared by front rowers, Steen Ruthledge and John Dwyer, and picking up one point was Luke Martin. Great effort from the team despite adverse conditions. This week sees us take on Yandina again, at their home ground Saturday 11 May at 3pm.”
Next Saturday will see both A grade and Reserve take on Kawana down there and Women’s playing Caboolture.
