The PJ Burns Noosa Tigers travelled down to Caloundra to take on the Panthers in the round 5 clash. The day was a significant one as both teams were playing for the Wayne Dover Memorial Shield and to raise awareness for the One Punch Can Kill campaign.
Noosa made three changes prior to the game, Seb Rogers and Cubby Isles were both unavailable and Peter Trompf was out suspended, after an appointment with the AFLQ Tribunal. This opened the door for the return of Isaac Hughson and Shane Davis to the seniors and it also saw the return of Ryley Buntain from state level football.
Noosa had plenty of the footy in the first quarter but were unable to covert that into goals. Caloundra got their first goal after a dodgy 50m penalty, then followed up with another soon after to skip 12 points clear. It wasn't until the 20 minute mark before. Isaac Hughson roved off a pack to kick Noosa's first then Nath Winter took a strong mark and goaled to draw things level. Jed Mullens was solid down back and Tom McKittrick was racking up the kicks as the siren went with the scores all tied up. Noosa 2-1-13 Caloundra 2-1-13.
Noosa's second term was not a very good one but on a positive note they hung in. Some bad skill errors cost the Tigers as Caloundra kicked the first 3 goals of the quarter before Brett Duke stemmed the flow. Dylan Dempsey was creative through the middle and Shane Davis was hard in every pack. Noosa clawed their way back into the game with a long running goal by Sam Dwyer, but were out scored 5 goals to 4 in the quarter to go into the main break trailing by 8 point.
Noosa 6-2-38 Caloundra 7-4-46.
After a few adjustments to the forward line including Buntain being moved down to the forward line to provide some more targets, the Tigers really clicked. Young guns Jai Fitzpatrick and Jesse Malthhouse provided the needed lift. Dylan Murray gave plenty of run and Troy Duke took coomand as the general in the mid field. Noosa piled of 4 goals to none to take complete control of the game. At 3/4 time Noosa led by 19 points.
Noosa 10-6-66 Caloundra 7-5-47.
Coach Gellie reminded the boys that, during the practice match, in the final quarter the Panthers came out and out scored the Tigers. He told them to expect nothing less and that's what Caloundra did. They opened the account with the first goal then the Tigers tightened up and controlled things until Brett Duke slotted his fourth to stretch the lead to 20 points with around 10 minutes to go. Most thought that that was enough, but not Caloundra. They continued to get the ball inside 50 and it wasn't long until the kicked a goal followed by another to cut the lead to 8 points with plenty of time to go. Big Steve Simpson worked hard all day, Sammy Dwyer was moved to the middle and made an impact. Dave Welch pounced on a Caloundra turnover and sent it forward. Troy Duke got on the end of the kick and sent it deep into the Noosa 50, there Hughson made a great contest and bought the football to the front of the pack as Alex Corrigan swooped and snapped a great goal on his left. This gave the Tigers a 11 point lead as the clock ticked into the 31st minute. Caloundra got the clearance and a quick goal but there was not enough time as the siren went the Noosa Tigers held on to win By 5 points.
Final score Noosa 12-7-79 to Caloundra 11-8-75.
Tom McKittrick was awarded the Wayne Dover Medal for best on ground in the ceremony after the match. Noosa are now 5-0 and sit two games clear in second.
Noosa best players Dylan Dempsey, Troy Duke, Tom McKittrick, Jai Fitzpatrick, Dave Welch, Dylan Murray, Jed Mullens, Brett Duke.
Goal Kickers- Brett Duke 4, Zac McDonald 2, Troy Duke 2, Isaac Hughson 1, Alex Corrigan 1, Nathan Winter 1, Sam Dwyer 1.
The reserves had the game in control at 3/4 time only to get run down in the last to be beaten by 36 points. Travis Fulton was named Noosa's best with Sam Krushka kicking 3 goals and Tim Storrer both kicking 2 goals.
The U/18s were beaten by classy Caloundra outfit. Zac Page was named Noosa's best.
Next week the undefeated Fiona Winter Realty Noosa Tigers take on the other undefeated team in Mayne in the clash of the round at Weyba Rd. This is going to be a huge test for both teams and will be a cracking game.
To see some photos of the action , on and off the field, CLICK HERE.
Jas Sherriff - Chief Football Correspondent (and family man)
Last Modified on 04/05/2014 17:44