Pirates make semis

Noosa Pirate Angus Stewart makes yards at Pirate Park.

Geoff Potter

It may have not been the most attractive game of rugby league seen at Pirate Park, but the Matrix Noosa Pirates did enough to secure a semi-final berth in this season’s Sunshine Coast and Gympie Rugby League premiership with a hard-fought 30 points to 14 win over their old foe, the Maroochydore Swans.

The Pirates were first to score when young winger Troy Chisholm pounced on a neatly timed grubber kick from halfback Noel Goldthorpe to score out wide. Goldthorpe converted from the sideline and the Pirates looked the goods early.

The Pirates started to attack the Swans out wide but execution let them down and allowed the Swans back into the game.

The Swans got a sniff and after clever backline play saw their centre Hasted cross out wide. The Pirates came back and a try to Keiran Wherry and another goal to Goldthrope had the Pirates in front.

A try late in the first half to the Swans saw the Pirates lead by 12 points to 8 at half time and many wondered what the score would have been if the Pirates held the ball and properly executed their plays.

Coach Dane Campbell, back in the fold after his recent health scare, no doubt had many words of wisdom for his troops at the break and the second minute of the second half saw a high-stepping, head-bopping Angus Stewart out-sprint the Swans defence to score after a well-timed inside pass from five-eighth Sean Pickup.

The Pirates looked in control but a string of questionable penalties to the Swans saw the Swans score a converted try to keep in touch with the Pirates.

Big Angus was at it again and showed exceptional tippy-toe skills and determination to score his second try and give the Pirates a handy 24 points to 14 lead.

The Pirates started to exert their superiority over the Swans but a last-ditched defence by the committed Swans foiled many of the Pirates’ raids.

Keiran Wherry put the game to bed for the Pirates when he dived over for his second try to give the Pirates a comfortable 30 points to 14 win over a gutsy Swans outfit.

Coach Dane Campbell said after the match that his players tried hard all day but their decision making and execution left a lot to be desired.

Dane also said the game against the Swans was a rugged affair and a game the Pirates needed with the finals only three weeks away.

Sean Pickup, Brad McCarthy, Keiran Wheery, Angus Stewart, Michael Stewart, Corey Dietrich, Colin Green, Steve Rameka and Trent Heathwood played well while Noel Goldthorpe, in his return for the Pirates, kicked intelligently and led the boys around the park well in a display that will only improve in the coming weeks.

Final score: Noosa 30 (Angus Stewart 2, Keiran Wherry 2, Troy Chisholm tries; Noel Goldthrope 5 goals) def Maroochydore 14.

The Reggies showed some good form in the second half to keep their finals prospects alive with a 56 points to 6 win over the Swans. Coach Damian Mulholland was pleased with his team’s effort but realises the remaining two matches against Kawana and Caboolture will seal their fate.

Final score Noosa 56 (Sam Walls 3, Sol Loketi 2, Adam Grant 2, Mark Cross, Scott Williams, Brad Connor tries; Steve McMichan 6, Sam Walls 2 goals) def Maroochydore 6.

The Under 18s tried valiantly against third-placed Maroochydore but fundamental errors cost the young Colts dearly, allowing the Swans more than their fair share of possession and the opportunity to showcase their talent out wide.

Final score: Maroochydore 50 def Noosa 22 (Moses Mbye 3, Dylan Crawford-Window tries; Sam Wright 2, Aaron Locke goals).

This Sunday the Pirates travel to Kawana to take on the Dolphins in a must-win for the Reggies if they are to remain in finals contention.

Under 18s kick off the day at 11.50am, followed by the Reggies at 1.20pm and then the big one, Noosa v Kawana at 3pm. rugby league football, the greatest game of all.