By Ron Lane
TIGERS
For members of the local AFL Club commonly referred to as the Tigers, their club, like other codes Rugby Union and Rugby League, are full of confidence for the upcoming season.
Established in 1970, it is indeed a proud club with a very solid tradition.
Since 1973, Noosa Tigers have played in seventeen grand finals of which they won nine flags and eight times were runners-up.
Now under the presidency of Rob Perves, they are coming out of a busy summer during which they achieved two major goals; the upgrading of the floodlights and the appointment of the first club general manager, Mitch Woods.
“These have been two important achievements,” said Rob.
“Also we would like to thank the government bodies involved in obtaining a grant. The grant was in the vicinity of $67,900. Also we take this opportunity to welcome Mitch Woods; it’s a new position, important in the expansion of the business side of things.
“A lot of time and effort has gone into the care and maintenance of the grass and oval. It is now looking great so with a healthy playing field plus the new lights, and the installation of an electronic scoreboard, sponsored by our supporter group; our basic needs are in order.
“I will also take the opportunity to publically acknowledge our major sponsor, Rococo Restaurant, for the seniors and the Tewantin Noosa RSL for the juniors. All other sponsors, some who have been connected for several years, a big thank you.’’
Also on the social side of club life, the Tigers held their annual golf day at the Noosa Golf Club, attended the Four Codes of Football fundraiser at Noosa Beach and have continued their commitment with the Farmers Market.
To guide the club through another season, Rob has the following administration team in place – vice president Ian O’Dwyer, secretary Cindy Hatton, treasurer Karen Carr and general manager Mitch Woods.
The all-important job of senior coach sees Sam Faure in charge for his second year.
“This season,” said Sam, “we have a new competition moved into Division 1 which consists of ten teams stretching from Noosa to the Gold Coast; and for us we have full teams in all three senior grades. We also have a team structure that gives us teams from Under 6 to the seniors. Our first game of the season is 1 April. It’s a home game against Queensland University and is also our sponsors’ day – a great start to the season.”
DOLPHINS
At the launch of the Dolphins Rugby Union season on Friday evening, a presenter of the ladies team jerseys for the forthcoming season said that the team looked more like a beauty pageant than a bunch of rugby players.
So be it, for with the ever-changing face of sport, things previously the domain of men (amateur boxing for example) are now open slather.
However, the happy incident was a great opening to the event. Add to this the announcement that the Dolphins Ladies had not only won last year’s premiership, but in doing so won sixteen games in a row – the applause was deafening.
After being welcomed and introduced, major sponsor Dan Neyland said his company, Dowling and Neylan Real Estate, were proud to be involved and wished all the best for the forthcoming season.
He emphasised the importance of the game amongst the youth and now, the young ladies of the community.
In his remarks to all, club president Donald McKill warned that the season ahead will be a tough one.
“With last season’s results which saw us go through undefeated, win the premiership, and then named as the Sunshine Coast Sports team of the year, everyone is waiting to have a crack at us – you can be sure they will come on hard,” McKill said.
He then went on to thank all the committee personnel – both junior and senior – for last year’s effort.
Special reference was made by several speakers regarding the number of committee people who have now continued their role for several seasons. Three people to rate special mention were ladies Marie Cairns, Zoe Griffen and Linda Connors, now all part of the junior committee.
These remarks were endorsed by Junior President Rob Frey, when he said: “Their continuance is perhaps the main reason for the incredible stability and great moral within all areas of our club.”
Amongst honoured guests were dual international Mike O’Connor and visiting former All Black Richard Kahui, a centre/wing with eighteen caps to his credit.
Called on to speak and assist in the presentations, O’Connor acknowledged the outstanding contribution of President Donald McKill, to not only the Dolphins but the community at large.
“It was this quite achiever, who working alone, brought the touring British Lions into Noosa for their training camps – an outstanding promotion for not only the game of rugby, but also the Noosa district. Good leadership and good people working for the Dolphins. All the best for the season ahead.”
For the Dolphins, their season started on Saturday with a big win over arch-rivals University.
