Ron Lane
For the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, the playing season has come to an end. Recently the Pirates contested all three grades in the preliminary finals, with the games being held at the Sunshine Coast Stadium. Unfortunately, the Pirates went down in all three games. In C grade the Pirates went down to Mary Valley 10 nil, Reserve grade lost to Caloundra 26 to 6 and in the main game A grade, lost a very close preliminary game 16 to 14.
In the C grade Pirates started to move well but their ball control left a lot to be desired. In the second half, Mary Valley made good use of the wind to take control 10 -nil. Overall, it had been a good season for the Pirates C grade finishing in third place at seasons end. The season was built around a number of good players who will still be eligible to play in U19’s next season, plus a few good, seasoned players.
Credit goes to coach Tony McLlroy, who gave the side a real direction all season. Best in season for them, was fullback Lucas Palmer and half back Ryan Christensen. Forwards Blair Ryan and Joe Dwyer lead from the front all season. Also, young players Arlo Kasmaroski and Carson Lawrence, showed that they have a big future at the Pirates.
However, it was indeed a hard day at the office for Pirates Reserve grade. Against Caloundra in their preliminary final the first half saw them getting caught out of field positions, plus making too many errors in heavy wind conditions. This saw them go into the second half 18 nil down. The second half saw Caloundra continuing to hold good field positions: thus, ball possession was heavily in their favour. There were good periods of play for the Pirates however with Caloundra topping the possession count the second half again went their way: resulting in a 26 to 6 win to Caloundra.
Looking back over the season, Pirates Reserve grade had some good wins, and these results tells us that in the coming season they will definitely be a team to be reckoned with. Also, the performances of some of the young Reserves tells us that there will be some challenges for the A grade spots. Best on the ground for this game there was a challenge between Will Cousens, Jake Bullen and Brad Partington. Fullback Lachlan Santana was fantastic at the back saving a number of tries.
During the season, hooker Zane Keen and forward Glen Jarrett were players who stood out, showing that they will be worth watching for an A grade jersey.
“In the A grade game,” said Head Coach Michael Duff, “we knew it was always going to be a major battle: and that is exactly how it started. We started to get the upper hand about ten minutes into the main game, with Jye Ballinger making line breaks on the edge: then Jye scummed to a knee injury forcing him to leave the field. It would be Beerwah who scored first: from a kick that bounced favourably for the winger to score in the corner. Beerwah crossed again not long after, to give them a 10-nil lead.
However, just before half time we struck back with a brilliant try to Gian Largiader in the corner. Kicking into a strong wind, the near perfect boot of Patrick McGinn missed the conversion, putting us down10-4 at half time. We came out strong again in the second half, which saw both teams going from end to end. Then a questionable 40/20 Beerwah kick saw them gaining good field positions: this resulting in a try in the corner. Beerwah 16 Pirates 4.”
As Pirates have shown all season, they continued to fight back hard and started to get the upper hand, crossing twice more: this time to halfback Corey Herdegen and second rower Gina Largiader. The comeback was almost completed, when three times they crossed the try line, only to be held up: all with only three minutes to go.
“All credit to the Beerwah defence keeping us from scoring at the end. No other team has shown that effort in defence against us all season. Beerwah proved that this is why they are now in their third straight grand final: winning the game 16-14.” In what appears to be his last game before retiring captain Kris Williams, was again outstanding: and vice- captain Rohan Messer was named Pirates best on field.’’
Despite not making the Grand Final, coach Michael Duff was happy with the overall performance of the teams and the present-day culture of the club. During the season, when visiting the club on several training nights, it became obvious that the pride, culture and above all the team spirit, was alive and well. And the wearing of the club colours, during training sessions, only served to reinforce the culture of the club.
Regarding the players, the coach had huge wraps on young guys such as Harry Dwyer, Dillan Cousens, Patrick McGinn, Jackson Ricotta and Ethan Pohlner. “I consider that these people will be, those pushing us to achieve better in 2025.Good luck to both Beerwah and Coolum in this weekend’s grand final.
The next event for our club will be our club presentation held on 21 September 2024. I would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters for an amazing 50th year celebration season we had this year. Massive shout out to all the volunteer’s at our great club. We would not be where we are today without you,” Michael Duff Head Coach said.
Weightlifting.
Our Australian weightlifter Taj Marsh is set to showcase his talent at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Suva Fiji, competing in the Junior Division of the 102kg category on Friday 20th September. Marsh a standout from the Noosa Barbell Club, has been making waves in the weightlifting community with his impressive performances. His participation in this prestigious event marks a significant milestone in his career. He aims to secure a top position amongst the best in the Commonwealth.
This Championship draws top talent from across the region, and Marshs’ training regimen and dedication have prepared him for the challenge as he represents Australia on an international stage. “I am excited and ready to give it my all in Fiji,” said Marsh. “I will be competing against some of the best in my category and its’ a great opportunity. I am looking forward to representing my club and country this weekend.”
This event in Suva promises to be very exciting, and all eyes will be on Taj Marsh as he competes for Australia in the 102kg Junior Division in September. All of us in the community of Noosa wish this young athlete all the very best. This young man has both the personality and presentation to make a great Junior Ambassador of Sport for his country.
