The PJ Burns Noosa Tigers took on arch rival Maroochydore in the last game of the home and away season on Saturday. Noosa made 3 changes for the game with Seb Rogers and Harry Opie coming back in after having last week off. Jake Fulton forced his way back in after 3 best on ground performances in the reserves. Tom Keehan was out with a knee injury, Isaac Hughson was out with a rib injury and Jack Tickner was sent back to the reserves.
The weather was horrible all day and the ball spent a lot of time on the ground. Noosa dominated the game early and the ball spent the majority of the time in the Noosa forward 50. Peter Trompf made his intentions clear with some hard tackling and strong marking in the first quarter. Dylan Dempsey was strong in the packs and continually got the ball moving forward. Noosa scored 2 goals and 3 behinds for the quarter and gave Maroochydore no room to move. Maroochydore scored a late goal after a poor defensive error. At the break Noosa held a 9 point lead. Noosa 2-3-15 to Maroochydore 1-0-6.
The rain got heavier during the second term but Noosa kept up the pressure adding another 3 goals and restricting Maroochydore to just 1. Jed Mullen and Harry Opie were excellent down back and they handled the ball as if it were dry. Seb Rogers was good in his forward role, and Nathan Winter was strong, and his forward pressure was outstanding, giving Maroocydore a hard time getting it out of the Noosa forward 50. At half time Noosa was 22 points in front. Noosa 5-5-35 to Maroochydore 2-1-13.
The third quarter started with a small break in the weather, but heavy rain wasn't far away. Maroochydore started with a loose man in Noosa's forward line which forced Dave Welch out of the back line to drift down and man up the spare Roo's player. Cubby Isles went to another level and it seemed like he loved the wet and slippery conditions. Welch came right into the game in his forward role and Dan Pertot was good in the ruck. Both teams added 2 goals each in a scrappy 3rd term. As the siren sounded Noosa had increased their lead slightly to 26 points. Noosa 7-10-52 to Maroochydore 4-2-26.
The last quarter was just a slugfest as both teams continued to throw themselves into every contest. Jake Fulton was in and under and Josh Reichman used his big frame to bust open a few packs. Although they dominated possession, Noosa only managed 5 behinds for the quarter. Maroochydore kicked the only goal for the quarter and as time ran out Noosa were 25 points in front. Noosa 7-15-57 defeated Maroochydore 5-2-32.
Noosa Best - Peter Trompf, Dylan Dempsey, Dave Welsh, Jed Mullen, Harry Opie, Cubby Isles.
Noosa Goals - Seb Rogers 2, James Gellie 2, Nathan Winter 1, Dan Pertot 1, Cubby Isles 1
In the reserves game Rob Purves's boys had a lot to play for. A win would see them finish 3rd and get the double chance but a loss would see them drop to fourth and have to slug it out in the "Lose and You're Out" Elimination final next week. The boys got of to a flyer and dominated the dryer ball, kicking 3 goals to 1 in the first quarter. As the weather got worse it really made scoring difficult. By 3/4 time scores were all tied at 28 points each. The last quarter was riveting as the Noosa boys dug deep restricting Maroochydore to 1 point and added 2 points to their score to go on to record a fantastic 1 point win and sealing third spot on the ladder. Ben Grey was fantastic at Centre half back and Steve Simpson was excellent in the ruck. Lou Fary played a great game and collected possessions as if it were a dry day. Final score Noosa 4-6-30" defeated Maroochydore 4-5-29
Final 5 ladder positions are as follows
SENIORS. RESERVES
Mayne 72. Mayne. 64
Noosa 60. Maroochydore. 52
Kedron 48. Noosa. 52
Maroochydore 40. Caloundra. 48
Caloundra 36. Kedron. 40
Next week see's week one of the finals. In the Seniors, Noosa take on Kedron in the Qualifying final. This will be played at Weyba Rd Noosa at 2pm. Noosa and Kedron have played three times this year with Noosa winning the first game by 24 points. Kedron winning the second game game 1 point and Noosa took out the third game by 17 points. This has all the makings for a classic encounter and shouldn't be missed. The winner goes on the play Mayne in the second semi final and a chance to go straight in the Grand Final.
The reserves scenario is very similar. Noosa take on Maroochydore in the Qualifying final at Noosa from 11.45 am. Noosa and Maroochydore have played 3 times this year with Maroochydore winning the first game by 21 points the Noosa winning the second game by 12 points and in the Final round of the year Noosa got home by 1 point.
On another note Noosa #6, and crumbing forward, Nathan Winter will run out next Saturday for his 150th game for the Tigers and joins Angel Duke, Gary Wallace and Cubby Isles who have already passed this landmark.
So get down to Weyba road Noosa next Saturday to see Noosa play in some finals action starting at 11.45 am
Jas Sherriff
Last Modified on 15/09/2014 15:49