Main Menu
Sub Main Menu
sunshine coast
national
extra
6:01AM Tuesday 02 December, 2008

Rugby League News

4 September 2008

| Peter McGregor

The Noosa Pirates defied the odds and their critics when they came from behind to defeat a full strength Maroochydore Swans before a monster crowd at Pirate Park last Sunday by 34 points to 22.

The Pirates were without their inspirational captain coach Noel Goldthorpe who withdrew from the team just minutes before the opening whistle. The absence of Goldthorpe stunned the crowd and was very pleasing news for the Swans.

After the first 15 minutes and a mountain of possession the Swans took a handy 12 points to nil lead and the prediction of the non believers and sceptics appeared to be coming true. Maroochydore by how much was the cry, but the young Pirates did not read the script and after great tries to Matt McCook and Aaron Fuller the Pirates fought back to 12 points to 10 at half time and the crowd had that feeling back again.

Goldy was calm but his message was clear and what occurred in the second half was nothing short of brilliance by the young Pirates. Two minutes in the second half and a chip over by Matt Achillies saw young Brad McCarthy fly through the pack to gather the ball and score a run away try and the lead to the Pirates. The Swans fought back but the Pirates had all the answers with tries to Dale Gilbert, Trent Heathwood and the nail in the Swans coffin by Anthony Zipf to give the Pirates a well earned and courageous 34 points to 22 victory and the right to play Caboolture at Caboolture next Sunday. The winner of that match will advance to the grand final on September 21.

Goldy after the match was a very proud coach and heaped praise on all his players. Stand in captain Anthony Zipf led well from the front while Brendan Williams returned from injury and shook off the cob webs for a sterling performance in the second half as Goldy’s replacement. All players performed well and it would be unfair to name just a few. Well done boys.

Final score: Noosa 34 (Matt McCook, Aaron Fuller, Brad McCarthy, Dale Gilbert, Trent Heathwood and Anthony Zipf tries; Anthony Zipf 5 goals) def Maroochydore 22

The Reggies finals ambitions continue after a hard fought victory over the Nambour Crushers on Saturday night. The Reggies played fast, attacking footy and their defence was outstanding. The team had a few out with injuries and will be very hard to beat this Saturday night at Maroochydore against Caboolture. The two Shanes’ in the front row are causing havoc for the opposition and the back line is running very smoothly. Sam Walls is improving every game and if they keep their form then I am sure coach Steve Monie will be more than confident of taking out this season’s major prize.

Final score: Noosa 30 (Sam Walls, Varro Deacon, Shane Coxon, Darren McNeil, Jarrod Purdy, Chris Pidgeon tries; Sam Walls 2, Justin Wallace goals) def Nambour 16

The Under 18’s season came to an end on Saturday night when the brave Colts went down to Maroochydore by 34 points to 4.

This has been a very difficult season for the boys and one can only praise the boys and their coach Greg Murphy for their effort and team spirit in not only making the final series but doing so with very limited numbers. Well done boys and the club is very proud of your commitment this season.

Maroochydore 34 def Noosa 4 (Rueben Apirana try)

Big games this weekend with the Reggies playing Caboolture at Maroochydore at 5.45 pm on Saturday while the A Grade also take on Caboolture at Caboolture at 3pm on Sunday.

The winner of this match will advance to the 2008 grand final.

Make sure you can get to Maroochydore on Saturday evening and then to Caboolture on Sunday to show your support for the Pirates.

Have your say

We welcome comments on our stories and blogs - after all it's your site. Please note comments should be on-topic and not abusive. Comments are checked before publication.