NATHAN MCLEAN
Noosa Pirates had a tough day at the office last weekend, struggling against a well-armed Caloundra Sharks.
That said, the club couldn’t be prouder of the effort all three age groups put in this week. Already on the back foot due to injury and player unavailability, the Pirates were looking for the boys to back up from U18s and Reggies.
The U18s were leading 16-12 when play was called off due to a sickening head clash that saw Jake Thompson and James Harrison sent to hospital with concussion. This incident soured a great performance from the boys with a few old names making a comeback. Casey Sandford had a great game at centre, not missing a tackle and bagging him a try off a great bomb. James Moorhead also in his comeback game was solid if not a little unfit. Cody Hope Hodgetts helped out from the U16 side and his input was invaluable. The guys are really starting to gel as a team and played some very attractive football.
The Reserve Grade took to the field in ridiculous temperatures. Down on numbers three U18 players backed up on the bench. Jackson Condon, Sam Friend and Big Will were outstanding, playing their second game of the day. Noosa were on fire for the first 20 minutes, leading 12-6, but with more injuries and players suffering from heat exhaustion Caloundra over took them for a 38-18 win.
Don’t let the score line fool you. This was one of the bravest efforts by a Noosa side. With only 12 players left on the field for the last 15 minutes the boys could have given up and let the flood gates open but they didn’t! They fought hard and made their coach Gus a very proud man!
Unfortunately the day was more like a broken record with more of the same fate to continue. A Grade started the day down on troops with a high injury toll and players due to back up from 18s taken to hospital. Caloundra are a vastly improved side having been strengthened by the signing of former Sunshine Coast Sea Eagle players and a number of the Q Cup Falcons squad in their ranks for 2014. Caloundra made the most of their opportunities to take out a strong win.
Coach Liam said after the match: “Thank you all the lads who put their hands up today and their bodies on the line. Let’s hope for speedy recovery to the four boys that went to hospital. Let these tough times bring us closer as a club, there are things in motion behind the scenes to help with player numbers.”
The coaching staff of Liam Anlizark, Gus Stewart and Dean McMasters would like to thank the committee, medical staff and league safe officers for their outstanding efforts looking after the teams. While everything isn’t going our way on the field at the moment, off the field couldn’t be stronger. There is a real strength in this playing group and its committee that will see the Pirates bounce back to its best in the near future!
