By ANITA ANDERSON
THE rain clouds cleared just in time for the Noosa Juniors Touch grand final day to be played under a shining sun.
Spectators and players alike enjoyed an afternoon of sizzling touch action, fairy floss, popcorn, snow cones and a jumping castle just to make sure everyone was entertained.
A special presentation was made in the form of a $2500 cheque donation made to our juniors from the Eumundi Sporting and Youth Club, which provides financial assistance to various junior sports in our local area. Noosa Touch would like to thank them for their continued support, so if you can get along to Joe’s Waterhole at Eumundi on a Friday night and grab some raffle tickets.
In the under-10 division, Screaming Iguanas proved too strong for GSLC (boys), Mexican Amigos managed to hold out Blazers and Purple Panthers finished in front of Pink Storm and GSLC (girls) in their three-way tussle. The Team Players of the Season were Parker Dean, Maddie Dwyer and Ben Anderson.
The under-12 results saw a drop off (the Touch version of extra time) required to find a winner between Saints and Vipers with Saints being the eventual victors. An exciting finish for everyone involved.
Devils and That Cool Team played well with Devils taking the win, Banana Split came out on top in a very close encounter with GSLC (girls) and Purple Storm went down fighting to Scorpions. Abbi McDonald, Georgia Haack and Tamatoa Casimro were awarded Team Players of the Season.
Finishing off the afternoon there were a number of extremely close games in the under-14/under-16 division.
Two games – STSS (Pansies) v Average Joe’s and GSLC (boys) v Sunshine Rebels – were both deadlocked at the final siren forcing the dreaded drop off into force. Average Joe’s and Sunshine Rebels came away as title-holders.
In another tight finish only one touchdown separated Inferno and NDSHS 8s (boys) with NDSHS in front when the final whistle blew. NDSHS 9s won against SBSHS, NDSHS 8s (Green) defeated GSLC and NDSHS 8s (Blue) went down to STCC. Team Players of the Season in this division were Tyla Te Moana, Giverny Robinson and Rueben Gemmell.
Tom Kennedy was awarded Referee of the Season with Noah Kelly receiving the Referee Encouragement Award. Lewis Hallyburton was successful in obtaining his Level 2 badge while officiating in the senior finals. Well done to these up-and-coming referees.
Congratulations to all of our players for a terrific season and for the great sportsmanship shown across all age groups. Thank you to all of our coaches, managers and parents for your continued support. A very special mention must go to Barry (Baz) O’Neil for his unfaltering involvement in our junior competition. From coaching, refereeing and fundraising, nothing is too much trouble for Baz. Last but definitely not least nothing but praise for our referees who are there each and every week so these games can be played. Please look out for our sign on dates early in the New Year.
