By DAVID ARNOLD
LAST Saturday saw the Noosa Pirates travel to Beerwah for their highly anticipated clash with Maroochydoore. A win for the Pirates was essential in their quest to play finals football.
The game started well in the Pirates’ favour as centre Aaron Locke scored after just three minutes of play. Goal-kicking supremo Lauchie Gladman continued on his red-hot kicking streak as the Pirates led six points to nil.
When player-coach Scott Christensen scored twice in quick succession the Pirates led by 16 points and a drubbing was on the cards. To their credit Maroochydoore struck back to cut in to the Pirates’ lead and at half time the Pirates led 16 points to four.
Early in the second half full back Ben Hayes scored as the lead extended to 18 points. A minor hiccup saw Maroochydoore score again to send a scare through the Pirates’ camp.
This mini-comeback was handled with disdain as the Pirates hit top gear in the last 12 minutes of play scoring three tries to run away victorious by 40 points to 10.
Second rower Alex Clare got in on the try-scoring act going over twice before Aaron Locke scored his second right on the full-time siren.
A satisfying performance against an opposition four spots higher on the ladder – each week sees renewed hope for September action.
On Friday night, the under-18s travel to Caboolture to take on the Snakes in a must-win game to cement their position in the top two.
The boys didn’t let their band of supporters down with a fantastic team performance to defeat their bigger and stronger opponents by a score of 34 points to 10.
Coach Mark Trevanion could not contain his delight in the victory and with valuable support from club coach Craig Keen, The boys seem set for a great season provided they do the hard work and maintain their discipline.
This week, the under-18s will travel to Coolum on Friday 17 June to take on Beechmere. A rugged test for the boys who would need to be at their best to come away winners.
Saturday afternoon sees the Noosa Pirates travel South to take on Caboolture 1 in what should be one for the ages. With the possible return of key players from injury, selection could be a headache for the coach.
On a sad note, it is with much regret that Pirate Jayden Summers has succumbed to injury and has retired. A Pirate since he was a toddler, Jayden started playing in the under-7s and played right through until a couple of weeks ago where he suffered horrific injuries after a tackle went wrong.
At the advice from his surgeon who put three plates and twelve screws into Jayden’s jaw, he made the hard decision to hang up the jersey at the tender age of 21.
Respected by team-mates and opposition alike for his no nonsense approach, Jayden will be deeply missed. On behalf of the Noosa Pirates playing roster, the committee, and supporters we wish you well in your future endeavours. The Pirates’ door will be open to you always.
Game times for this week include Noosa versus Beechmere, at Coolum on Friday 17 June, at 6.45pm, and Noosa versus Caboolture, at Caboolture on Saturday 18 June, at 5pm.
