The PJ Burns Noosa Tigers took on coast rival Maroochydore on Saturday in front of a huge crowd at Weyba Road. Ex Essendon premiership player and Fremantle coach Mark Harvey was the guest speaker at the Presidents lunch which was followed by a large past players function. Adding to this Skipper Peter Trompf was playing his 100th senior game for Noosa, This set the scene for a huge day. This game was to have immense implications on the final make up of the ladder as Noosa currently sit second and Maroochydore sit third. A Noosa win would see them jump two games clear in second place, but a Maroochydore win would see them into second and all even on points. So both sides have everything to play for.
Noosa made three changes to the senior side with Tom McKittrick, Jai Fitzpatrick and Cubby Isles all back in after having been out with injury. The game got under way in perfect sunny conditions and Noosa set the scene early with Trompf winning the first centre tap to Dylan Dempsey who drove it deep into the Noosa forward 50, Alex Corrigan swooped onto the loose ball and goaled from 20 meters out. Noosa controlled most of the first quarter but failed to convert that into goals, having nine scoring shots but only kicking 3 goals. James Gellie was giving Noosa plenty of options up forward and Ryley Buntain was doing a fantastic job on Maroochy danger man Josh Norman. At quarter time Noosa held a 13 point lead. Noosa 3-6-24 Maroochydore 2-1-13.
The second term didn't started so good for Noosa as Maroochydore got on top through the midfield and kicked 5 unanswered goals and skipped 20 points clear before Noosa wrestled the momentum back. Maroochydore got players behind the ball and created plenty of run off half hack. Seb Rogers was moved to the forward line and Cubby Isles into the middle which seemed to work as Noosa got their first goal for the quarter at the 20 minute mark to reduce the margin back to 14. Things got better from there as the midfield through Isles and Shane Davis were getting back on top. Noosa goaled again through Sam Dwyer late in the term to bring the margin back to 8 points. As the siren went the Tigers had worked very hard and got right back into the game and at half time Maroochydore led by 8 points. Maroochydore 7-2-44 to Noosa 5-6-36.
At the half time break coach Gellie pleaded with the boys to stick to the plan and keep the ball moving by hand as much as possible. Harry Opie was moved onto Norman to free up Buntain and allow him to provide run. Sam Dywer was moved into the forward line to get to the feet of the tall forwards. Once again Trompf got things going for Noosa in the ruck getting the ball to McKittrick who spotted up Gellie 30m out, he went back and slotted home his second. Brett Duke was excellent through the third quarter although inaccurate. Angel took a great pack mark then kicking his first for the game. Noosa's pressure was outstanding and the back 6 were ruthless and provided plenty of run. Jed Mullens was superb and Jack Hendrie seemed to have the ball on a string. Noosa went on the attack and if not for some inaccurate kicking, could have put the game well and truly away. The Tigers had 13 scoring shots in the third term, kicking 6 goals to Maroochydore's 2 and at the final break held a 23 point lead. Noosa 11-13-79 to 9-2-56.
The message at 3/4 time was to play your role, Simple, but it's what had got the Tigers into this position. Gellie also made note that Maroochydore had the players in their side capable of kicking goals quickly so they need to play man on man footy. Once again Trompf set things up in the ruck, Jai Fitzpatrick and Jake Fulton were outstanding on the wings as they attacked at every stoppage. Dylan Murray used his explosive speed to open the game up and sent the ball into the Noosa 50 plenty of times. Gellie was great up forward, his pressure and presence inside the 50 was outstanding, and when he kicked his 4th for the game midway through the final term, the game was just about over. Harry Opie played his best game for the year and Nathan Winter worked hard in his role across the half forward. Noosa completely out played Maroochydore in the last quarter as the inaccurate Tigers had 8 scoring shots only to kick 2 goals. The most important fact of the last quarter was the Noosa held Maroochydore scoreless to go on to record an impressive 40 point win. Noosa 13-18-96 to Maroochydore 9-2-56.
To have 31 scoring shots to 11 really showed Noosa's dominance of the game, this now puts the Tigers in a great position on the ladder and has them second and two games clear of Maroocydore who are in third place.
Noosa's best players were - Ryley Buntain, Jed Mullen, Jack Hendrie, James Gellie, Jai Fitzpatrick, Jack Fulton
Noosa Goals were James Gellie 4, Sam Dwyer 1, Dylan Dempsey 1, Brett Duke 1, Alex Corrigan 1, Shane Davis 1, Dan Pertot 1, Jai Fitzpatrick 1, Jack Fulton 1, Seb Rogers 1
The Reserves had probably their best win in years with a stirring 12 point win over second placed Maroochydore. The win was set up by a 7 goal haul from Zac McDonlad. Mick Smith played another fantastic game, Jesse Malthouse was great along with Marcus Webb and Jack Tickner. This was the boys 5th win on the trot and has now moved Rob Purves boys into third spot on the ladder.
The Colts put in a fantastic performance to go down to 2nd placed Maroochydore by 49 points. A ripping performance by the boys as last time these two met Noosa went down by 234 points. So well done to Dan Primmer and all the lads on such an improved performance. Michael Morey continued his good form to named best for Noosa.
Next week the Fiona Winter Realty Noosa Tigers take on 5th placed Caloundra at home at Weyba Rd. Last time these two met the seniors got home by 5 points and the Ressies held a 14 point lead at 3/4 time to go down by 40 points. So both team will be looking for improved performances.
Colts start at 10.45am Reserves 11.45am and the main game at 2pm.
See you next week.
Last Modified on 07/12/2014 08:59