NATHAN MCLEAN
Noosa Pirates A Grade and Reserve Grade made the tough road trip to Bribie Island at the weekend.
After last week’s large injury toll and players away due to work commitments the Pirates’ depth was always going to be tested against the Warrigals.
A Grade received a boost with the return of Falcons Q cup player Mboya Adams and the inclusion of experienced prop Josh Adams from Brisbane. These two boys laid a great platform with Pirates back rowers Mitch Brockwell and Brock Dalgiesh testing Bribie’s edge defence all night.
Captain Coach Liam Anlezark, out this week due to injury, said: “The boys did what I asked of them, they dominated the field position and controlled the possession well. The side showed a lot of grit to knock over this committed Bribie side. I thought Mboya was really strong and Ash Black and Louis Turnbell steered the ship around well.”
A Grade wrapped up a 38-12 win over the spirited Bribie boys. Big thanks must go out to Kenny, Ivan, Ryan, Zahny and Bull who all backed up from Reggies.
Reserve Grade played in soaring temperatures again this week. Without captain-coach Gus Stewart and others missing due to injury, it was unknown how the boys would respond after last week’s draining game against the Sharks.
But true to the Pirates’ spirit the boys banded together and put a very handy side out against the Warrigals. There is a great spirit in this group of blokes who just keep turning up week in, week out for each other.
The boys, who haven’t had the same side on the park for all five games this year, took a while to get out of the blocks. Once the halves started to combine our forwards laid a great platform for the backs to do the rest. Trent Heathwood and Ash Smith were outstanding again and the halves Mitch and Chester worked well together to steer the Pirate ship around. Kenny once again showed he has the magic and Ivan impressed with his first hit out for Noosa. Wallsy nailed his conversions from all around the park to end up with 5 from 5 and secured a strong 30-8 win for the Blue and Gold.
A Grade has a tough game against Caboolture this Saturday night. The Snakes are always a tough away game but with some strength back in the forward pack and some clear weather ahead for training, coach Liam is confident the boys can rattle those snakes. The Reggies are sitting clear second on the ladder now and look forward to their top-of-the-table clash against Caboolture this Saturday.
The U18s will be looking to test their side out against a strong Caboolture outfit after having last week off.
A players/supporters bus will be heading down the highway this Saturday night. For anyone interested in joining us to support the boys and enjoy some festivities on the way home, please contact the club on 5447 1366 or email noosapirates@bigpond.com
