Rugby League
It is that time of the year when some of our adventurous (young and old) men and women, have again decided to go in pleasant pursuit of the pill, and play heavens chosen game, Rugby League.
If by chance you just happen to pass by Noosa’s rugby leagues headquarters, Pirate Park, stop for a moment and look at the playing field.
The field which has just been fertilised and watered, is now a beautiful rich green colour: a colour that would make any Irishman stand up and cheer. As I enjoyed what I was seeing, inside the club house, Channel 7 was conducting interviews with management. In my hand was a report written by head coach Mick Duff explaining what lay ahead on the fields of play.
All these factors, tells our club members and supporters, that the club is in full motion: and most important of all, for the season ahead – everything is positive.
At present they are busy preparing for the 2024 season, which will coincide with their 50th anniversary: thus, making it the biggest season ever – both on and off the field.
From Head Coach Mick Duff, comes the word, “ In 2024 we will be fielding sides in all grades from under 6s all the way through to A grade. We will also be hosting a master’s competition in late February: it is gaining plenty of attention and will kick the year off for Pirates. As far as our A grade squad for 2024 goes, I am super excited about the young guys coming through our system. They will definitely add icing to the cake.
“I am pleased to announce that Chris “Budha” Williams will be our A grade captain for the 2024 season. He is a former Noosa Junior, who has previously won A grade premierships as a Pirate. It is very fitting that he finishes his footy career at home, while leading as captain in the clubs 50th anniversary season.
Rohan Messer will take on an extra role as vice-captain in 2024: his experience will add great value to our young side. We also have the return of Caleb Van Lawick, who has been living in Gladson for the past few years: while doing so was successful in winning A grade competition.
To name just a few young guns who tasted defeat in the semi -final, their loss will inspire them to achieve more this season. Halfback Ethan Phoner, hooker Dylan Cousens and fullback Patty McGinn. Our young forwards who impressed this season, will be out to make a statement in 2024, are lock forward Harry Dwyer and back rowers Kayd North and Kahn Sutherland.
I invite our supporters to keep an eye on the social media pages for we will be announcing signings for the 2024 season.” To name those mentioned will definitely be something worthwhile, for some have already made their mark. Also, next week we will look at some of the young Turk’s, who will be making their presence felt in the world of administration and leadership: men such as Angus Stewart Vice President, Beau Condon Operations Manager and Games Development Officer and Shane Morris Game Development Manager. We wish them well.
Athletics
Saturday for our Noosa Athletics club saw them compete in the Queensland State Relay Championships, with a small but very competitive team. Up against big Brisbane clubs we had 14 athletes compete, and from this number a total of 10 different relay teams were entered, in both track and field events: athletes were running in older age groups to help make up teams
Our open women’s team of Courtney Steel, Brielle Steel, Mailee Scott Jones and Dianne Ladewig, stood out with a 4th in the 4×100, 3rd in discus and 2nd in the shot put. Also, our U14 men had terrific 4x100m, finishing 3rd with Taya Clayton running out the first leg, to help out the boys: Marlon Andrew’s, Eli Melina and Linden Hermes.
Once again there was plenty of team spirit with everyone pitching in to help each other: specially in their non preferred events. And all done with a big smile. This showed the Noosa team spirit at its best.
Pickleball
The QPT (Queensland Pickleball Tour) finals were held at Pimpama Sports Centre on the weekend. For those that are new to the sport, the QPT is a series of tournaments held across Queensland. Its aim is to provide competitive playing opportunities for those registered with Pickleball. Definitely a great concept that can only be good for promoting the sport.
From club president Ron Gatliff comes a summary of the weekend. “Our female club members performed exceptionally well. Glenice Ault hit the podium three times, picking up two medals in the women’s doubles 50+ the women’s singles 60+: then add to this won the bronze in the mixed doubles 60 +.
Then to top it off, Glenice was also awarded the Queensland female player of the year.
A very big well done to Glenice. Another outstanding effort came from Casey Smith who won three medals: silver in both the open mixed doubles, and the women’s singles35 +. She finished off by winning bronze in the women’s doubles 35+. Sally Buckley also won two medals: silver medal in the women’s doubles 50+ and silver women’s singles 50+.
Leandri Pretorious, won silver in the open women’s doubles and to finish it off, Janette Ward won bronze in the women’s doubles 35+. The performance of the ladies has definitely thrown down the gauntlet, and it will be up to the men to perform. The big question is now- can they?
Lastly a couple of shout outs: firstly, to Rod Edwards who was awarded the Noosa players player of the year award, and Margot Tredinnick for her refereeing efforts. The clubs Christmas party will be held at the Noosa Tennis Centre, on Saturday 2 December at 6pm. Everyone is welcome so contact the Club for more information.
The Noosa Leisure will be closed from 20 December and will reopen on 2 January. During these times, our club will be holding additional sessions at the Noosa Tennis Club as well as the Olive Donaldson pavilion in Tewantin. Our club is still offering free introductory sessions for anyone, who would like to give the game a go.
Please contact the club by email which is info@noosapickleballclub.com
Outriggers
Spokesperson for the club Colin Jones, tells us that the National Sprint Titles were held last weekend on Lake Kawana: with over 790 competitors across 38 clubs and over 180 races. Noosa’s Senior Masters Men, won our first gold medal for the day in a V12 clash. They edged out the Gold Coast team by just one tenth of a second. So, it’s a big well done to Bodo’s team.
The Masters Mix Novice Team came third in their race, while John Goller was second in the Senior Masters Men VI race.
Next race Des Mabbot came 4th in a V1 race. A great effort for someone who recently had hip surgery. Next week more results will be available to the press.
