By DAVID ARNOLD
THE Northern Outlaws out played Caloundra Sharks to win their rugby league clash in the wet on Saturday night.
The night started with a stirring tribute in memory of James Ackerman who died after a Queensland Cup Game last week.
When the game began The Outlaws were quick out of the blocks and took the lead after just seven minutes thanks to some fine work by Tim Wyvill.
Hayden Trask converted and the score was six-nil much to the delight of the Outlaw’s home crowd which, despite the conditions, was pleasingly large.
Caloundra hit back after 22 minutes and the score was 6-4 in favour of the Outlaws.
In the space of nine minutes the Outlaws took control of the game scoring three tries, largely thanks to Terry Carroll with a double four minutes apart and Shaun Wilson joining in on the scoring spree.
Leading 22-4 at half-time, the Outlaws showed no signs of slowing up when Tim Wyvill scored his second and third tries early in the second half.
Caloundra rebounded in the wet and greasy conditions to score twice in just three minutes and it was game on once again.
Terry Carroll snuffed out the chance of a Shark comeback when he scored his third try of the game.
Caloundra refused to give in and scored again.
It was a case of too little too late as Mitch Brockwell scored for the Outlaws as the final siren sounded.
Final scores were Northern Outlaws 42, Caloundra 22.
It was an outstanding team effort by the boys with Tim Wyvill and Terry Carroll both scoring hat tricks.
On a sour note, full back Brock Dalgleish suffered a fractured eye socket and will be out of action for a while.
A speedy recovery to you, Brock, from team-mates and supporters.
Earlier in the day I witnessed one of the best games seen at Pirate Park as the mighty Noosa Pirates played host to the unbeaten Gympie Devils in Reserve Grade.
The Pirates had shown great form of late and a victory was well within their grasp.
That scenario seemed to be coming true as both teams gave their all and with just under two minutes remaining the Pirates held a slender four-point lead.
The football gods were against us as Gympie scored a great try and converted to steal victory from the Pirates’ grasp.
Although the scoreboard showed a loss, the Spirit of the Noosa Pirates was a sight for sore eyes and the crowd showed their appreciation with rousing applause for the boys.
The final score read Gympie 16, Noosa 14.
With both teams enjoying a break next week, all supporters of both teams can look forward to some exciting play as finals approach.
Try-scorers for Noosa were Ryan Mulder, Seaton Reid and Dom Bryham.
The players and staff wish Josh Quigley a speedy recovery after he suffered a leg fracture.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the next game as the Outlaws and Pirates continue to do their supporters proud.
