IN danger of slipping out of the top five, premiers Noosa are sure to be fired up for their 2010m grand final rematch against Sandgate at Weyba Road Oval on Saturday.
Sandgate have taken all before them since losing to Wilston-Grange in round one, but the Hawks trek up the Bruce Highway with several key personnel missing.
Noosa are fourth on the ladder, but have Palm Beach-Currumbin, Surfers paradise and possibly Coolangatta eyeing their place in the top five.
Palm beach-Currumbin, emerging as genuine flag contenders, host Maroochy-Northshore on the Gold Coast on Saturday and should win, putting much more pressure on Noosa.
In other matches on Saturday, Mayne are playing finals hopeful Surfers Paradise at Everton Park and Springwood host Wilston-Grange at Lowe Oval.
On Sunday, Burleigh are playing Coolangatta in a Gold Coast derby that could seal the fate of both clubs’ finals hopes.
Western Magpies have the round-11 bye.
By Terry Wilson
AT long last we have a rematch of last year’s grand finalists when Noosa host Sandgate in a major clash on the Sunshine Coast.
With an 11-team competition this year – and the introduction of byes – the draw has been unusual in that premiers Noosa and Sandgate have had to wait until round 11 before they lock horns again.
Oddly, the sides will go at it again in round 16, one of thr5ee tough engagements ahead of Sandgate who have also to play Western Magpies and Palm Beach-Currumbin in the run to the finals.
“It’s funny scheduling – and we play everyone that’s good twice in the season,” noted Sandgate captain-coach Ben Long.
That’s why Long is wary of what lies ahead of his Hawks. He knows a slump could even cost Sandgate a top-three finish for the finals despite his side siting at the top of standings.
Understandably, given season results, Noosa coach Wayne Fletcher rates the Hawks as the form side of the season – at the moment.
“They’ve had some good wins in recent times,” said Fletcher.
On that subject, a good form line can be drawn through Palm Beach-Currumbin, who were beaten by Sandgate at Salk Oval, the venue where they trounced Noosa last weekend.
|Sandgate have been hit by injuries, losing Will Bradley (shoulder), Ben Drew (hamstring), Damien Garton (knee), Tom Overington (state U18s) and on-permit Liam Rutledge from last weekend’s side that beat Wilston-Grange.
As well, super veteran Danny Dickfos remains sidelined by a hamstring strain.
The ins are defenders Michael McCoy and Aidan Bineen, small forwards/rovers Sean Cornish and Scott Hines and ruckman Luke Reynolds, who is set to play as an extra tall forward.
Noosa boss Fletcher was paying more attention to whom the Hawks will take north, rather than their losses.
“We’re more focussed on who is playing for Sandgate rather than who is not,” he said.
The Tigers also have some injury worries, Fletcher pointed out, with full-back Jason Boydle (wrist) and on-baller Zac Smith (family) out this weekend and with Ryan Sawers, Travis Mills and Steve Simpson still sidelined.
Back with the Tigers seniors this weekend are utility Garry Wallace and Chris McGuigan.
Fletcher knows there are several teams eyeing Noosa’s place in the top five, which adds much importance to Saturday’s clash.
“It is important to bounce back strongly from last week’s defeat,” he said. “We were below average last week.”
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