It may not fully atone for the pain of last year’s grand final loss, but it certainly helps. For the second time this season, Noosa reversed the result of that big day in September by beating Palm Beach Currumbin 13.17 (95) to 12.9 (81) on the Gold Coast.
The win means the Tigers have retained outright second place on the ladder, just one win behind Sandgate, with the Pineapple Hotel Cup competition to have a hiatus next week for the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Had Palm Beach won, the Lions would have drawn level with Noosa on the table, but a final quarter surge where the Tigers outscored the hosts 3.5 (23) to just one behind proved the difference.
Luke Brauer and James Brain led the way offensively with three goals each for Noosa, while Tim Storrer and Jay Reynolds chipped in with two apiece.
Lucas Matthews had a fine game in the midfield while Nathan Spring played perhaps his finest game for Noosa since joining the club from the Gold Coast at the start of the season.
Judging by the jubilant mood that prevailed on the team bus on the way home, the Noosa boys realised how big a result it was heading into the break.
And Tigers coach Wayne Fletcher praised the application of his team when the match was on the line in the final quarter.
“We were down eight points at three-quarter time and our boys in the last quarter really rose to the occasion,” he said.
“We would have liked a few more goals in that last quarter as we missed a few, but they showed a lot of desire.
“It was a pretty even tussle for the majority of the game. Jay Reynolds was very good for us and Nathan Spring had probably our best game for us on the wing where he picked up plenty of possessions and used his speed to his advantage.
“I’m pretty confident in our fitness as well. We don’t have any dramas there and we can match any team in that department.”
Spring said Noosa’s team ethic is holding them in good stead to make a push for the premiership during the second half of the year.
“Our teamwork was great the whole four quarters with everyone working for each other, and to be able to beat them twice this year gives us a lot of confidence,” he said.
“In that last quarter they let go a bit and we stood when it mattered.”
The Maroochy Northshore Roos also enjoyed success on the glitter strip yesterday, accounting for Burleigh 10.12 (72) to 8.3 (51) to remain third on the ladder, one win behind Noosa.
NOOSA 3.5 8.9 10.12 13.17 (95)
(Luke Brauer 3, James Brain 3, Tim Storrer 2, Jay Reynolds 2, Luke Matthews , Brooks Durdin , Michael Gafa)
PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN 4.2 8.5 12.8 12.9 (81)
(Brett Zeidler 2, Jack Munroe 2, Matt Carroll , Ryan Carroll , Jed Williams , Blake Schneider , Darryl Dyson , Simeon Blowes , Brayden Pearson , Daniel Zvatora)
Last Modified on 18/06/2010 14:56