The PJ Burns Noosa Tigers took on the Kedron Lions at Weyba Rd for their first home game of the season. A huge crowd was on hand as Noosa held a Presidents Luncheon and its sponsors day. There were a changes to the line up this as Sam Dwyer was out injured and Shaun Baker, who was ill during the week but came good by the weekend, was sent back to the Reserves. Jack Tickner forced his way back into the senior team with a solid game last week and Morgan Webb was included in for his first senior game for Noosa.
This was a big game for the club as it was the first home game plus the huge crowd that included most of the club sponsors and the senior team didn't disappoint. They jumped out of the blocks early, slamming on 5 goals to Kedron's 2 in a polished 1st quarter. Onballers Dylan Dempsey and Tom McKittrick showed their class with many clearances as did young Jai Fitzpatrick on a wing. The back six stood strong with Jed Mullen and Tom Keehan running the ball out of the back fifty many times. At quarter time Noosa held a handy 19 point lead. Noosa 5-1-31 Kedron 2-0-12
Noosa kept the pressure on after the first break as Kedron found it hard to get clear possession. Nick Sutton was moved into the forward line with success as he kicked his second for the match. Brett Duke spent time in the ruck and up forward and made it hard for Kedron to match up on him. Dave Welch was getting his hands on the footy, proceeding to set up Alex Corrigan for Noosa's 4th for the quarter. Noosa extended their lead to 39 points at the half time break, kicking 4 goals to 1 in the second term. Half time Noosa 9-4-58 to Kedron 3-1-19.
After the long break Kedron lifted the tempo, kicking the first 3 goals before Noosa settled and got on the board with a long running goal to Jai Fitzpatrick to take his tally to 3. Harry Opie worked hard down back to stop the Kedron run, with Peter Trompf doing a good job on the big Kedron forward. Noosa kicked the next 2 goals to wrestle control back in their favour before the siren went for 3/4 time. Noosa held a 36 point lead. Noosa 12-6-78 to Kedron 6-6-42.
In rather warm conditions you could have forgiven Kedron if they called it a day at 3/4 time but they didn't and again kicked the first 3 goals and got with in 12 points midway through the last quarter before Nick Sutton slotted home his 3rd and that took the wind out Kedron sails. Dylan Murray worked hard in the final term and Nath Winter got plenty of the ball to get Noosa back on top. Noosa were out scored in the final term 1 goal to 4 but ran out 23 point winners in what was a very good game of football. Final score Noosa 13-8-88 to Kedron 10-5-65.
Noosa best players were Tom Keehan, Brett Duke, Dylan Dempsey, Jai Fitzpatrick and Nick Sutton
Goal kickers Jai Fitzpatrick 3, B.Duke 3, N.Sutton 3, Alex Corrigan 2, J.Tickner 1, D.Welsh 1
The Noosa reverses put in a great performance only to go down by 14 points. At one stage in the third term they looked like there were about to take control and kick away. Jesse Malthouse was the stand out for the reserves and finished the day with 4 goals. Interesting to see dual premiership player Dayne Frew running around in the early game.
Next week the Fiona Winter Realty Noosa Tigers head to Caboolture for the round 3 clash. Noosa have plenty of improvement as they still have Steve Simspon, Tim Storrer, Sam Dywer, Cubby Isles, Seb Rogers and Shane Davis to return to the senior side
(J.S. Chief Football Correspondent)
(Photo{ Jorden Cullen, Noosa Today)
Last Modified on 07/04/2014 15:38