Mixed bag for Noosa

U8 Noosa Reds Thomas Russell makes a run for it. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Under 6
Game 1: Matthew Flinders
Game 2: Brothers Wolves
In the first match against local rivals St Andrews, the team had some great confidence. In the second match the team came up against Brothers and even though the boys were tired, there were some great skills and fancy moves coming through with some fantastic side steps and also some runaway tries.
Player of the match for game one went to Connor Lee and Alfie Wood in the second game.
Under 7
Noosa Fins 45 d Brother Wolves 20
There was fire in the bellies of the Fins this week, all hungry for a taste of the try line and there were many memorable fly away tries into the corner with Myles, Jackson, Rory, Uli and Kase all getting over. Several turnovers by the Fins had the Brothers on their toes from start to finish and the defence from all boys, especially Harry and Lachie, helped keep the ball in their possession. The unmissable communication by the team had them keeping well abreast of the field and kept the Wolves from reaching their own try line though they made it close several times. The game was fast and furious and the boys were pleased with the result.
Player of the match went to Uli Visser.
Under 8
University 60 d Noosa Fins 45
The Fins toughest challenge this season so far took place this weekend. Sleepy eyed and missing three key players, the boys stepped out onto the field.
University played a fiercely physical game, frequently ripping Noosa possession away at the breakdowns allowing them to secure a commanding first half lead by four tries.
Gentle re-tuning by the coaching team had the boys holding their own in the second half. More vigour in contesting the breakdowns and a step up in the tackling rate secured a base for the Fins to narrow the University lead. George White’s hunger for the ball, straight running and consistent high work rate was a pleasure to watch and rewarded with three tries.
Levi’s tackling was simply awesome and his intelligent reading of the game saw him run in two very solid tries. Jacko Peermamode contributed greatly throughout the match and took the pill over the line from 20 metres out, as did Harry Marlow who put important scores on the board.
Player of the match went to James Walker.
Under 8
Noosa Reds 55 d Caloundra Gold 20
A competitive first half saw the score locked up at half time as Noosa and Caloundra traded tries in a see-sawing battle. However, Tuesday fitness training started to pay off as the Noosa players superior fitness showed through in the second half as the Reds ran in several unanswered points. Thomas and Ritchie were commanding with ball in hand while well supported by Jonty, Darcy and Will, Ezekiel and Harry dotted down a couple each and Conor had a strong defensive game with several territory saving tackles, Alfie’s opportunistic try will be long remembered.
Player of the match went to Thomas Russell.
Under 8
Noosa Dolphins 75 d Grammar 25
The Dolphins ran on to face Grammar Saturday morning for what turned out to be their best hit out yet. There were some fantastic individual performances, with 15 tries on the day, but the stand out try was pure team-work and brought on the biggest cheer from the enthusiastic group of parents and supporters on the sideline. The team seems to have gelled very quickly and their skill levels are going ahead in leaps and bounds. Even the opposition coach commented on their tackling and cleaning out in the ruck.
Player of the Match went to Ocean Steinback.
Under 9
Noosa Reds 70 d University 10
The Reds warm up is snappy and instructions barked by the coaches are followed to the T. The Reds take the field early and await their prey. The Barbarians, perhaps knowing that the savages from the north have something planned, belatedly take the field.
The first scrum showcases the Reds set play and Clancy kicks the scoreboard over with the first try. No time to put down the pen before Harry, Atticus and then Harry cross the try line again and again.
With a devastating set play at, the forwards began to soften the Barbarian pack. The Olivers, Will and Atticus invited the Barbarians to a rumbling party. Leaving the wide open spaces to Noah, Charlie, Oscar and Charlie.
The pressure on the Barbarians began to tell, fleet footed wingers, set plays and bone crunching tackles bought barbarian parent out to retrieve the fallen. Jamie crossing the line gave a man of the match performance and Harry tackled himself into the Solo award.
Under 10
Brother Wolves 24 d Noosa Reds 12
A sluggish start cost the Reds although they came home like a train. Pearl was her usual devastating self with the ball in hand and Slippery Josh showed some fancy footwork. Solid defensive efforts were provided by Tom Harmer and Hunter Shedlock. One player was an absolute standout in both attack and defence – Smith Connors. Simply outstanding.
Player of The Match went to Smith Connors.
Under 10
Noosa Black 29 def Grammar Rugby 17
Sweeping the dew once again Noosa faced a fast, strong opposition in Grammar Saturday morning.
Noosa still hadn’t got out of bed as Grammar jumped ahead with two quick tries. With that wake-up call Noosa clicked into gear, controlling the pill and moving steadily up the field. Meat pies surely followed, one to a fill in Saatchi Smith (thanks mate!) and then one to Jack Paenga, who finally ran straight! Jack also managed a neat conversion to his name.
The second half had a repeat of the first, Noosa took a while to switch on, resulting in Grammar sneaking over another double.
The best was to come last, with a huge effort Noosa managed a reply try, thanks to the Bulldozer Jackson Westphal. The only thing to stop Noosa now was time, and we were out of it. Unlucky in a hard-fought loss, well done all.
Player of the match went to Byron Alty.
Under 11
Noosa Fins 51 d Maleny Bushrangers 0
A great all-round display by the Fins team over a gallant Maleny who never stopped trying. The Fins forwards laid the platform dominating possession after some solid early exchanges. The backs then cut loose with some clinical finishing from the speedsters with Reggie scoring three to deliver his Mum an early Mother’s Day present.
Under 11
Maroochydore 43 d Noosa Reds 12
The Reds had a tough assignment taking on the joint competition leaders Maroochydore. The boys went try for try early before a good Maroochydore team prevailed. Despite the loss, the boys continue to improve their structures and organisation which will see them return to the winners circle shortly.
Both tries were scored by Joseph, with one conversion from Leif.
Under 12
Noosa Finz 56 d Flinders 12
The Finz were on fire from the start, dominating forward possession, making ground phase after phase and taking advantage with blistering pace from the backs. The boys were too hot for Flinders to handle, especially in the first half and took a 35-0 lead into the break. Credit to Flinders who regrouped at half time to make the second half a more even contest, but Noosa took maximum points again and continue to climb the ladder.
Player of the match went to Donnie Meadows.
Under 13
University Barbarians 41 d Noosa Dolphins 0
Great team effort but the Noosa boys came up against a bigger well-drilled team.
Player of the match went to Ethan Jordan.