An injury ravaged and depleted Garry Crick Noosa Pirates travelled to Gympie last Saturday night in what was a desperate game for both the Pirates and Devils with the winner gaining the all important third position and second chance in the semi finals. Unfortunately for the Pirates, the Devils proved too strong trouncing the Pirates by that magical score line 44 points to nil. The Devils were at full strength and played with commitment and flair to outclass the Pirates. The Devils are peaking at the right end of the season and with all their big guns back and firing the Devils will be the side to beat if they continue playing the style of rugby league they have of late. Don’t write off the Pirates just yet. The Pirates were down on numbers with a number of key players unavailable through injury or work commitments and with some luck the majority of those players will be back in the line up next week in the knock out semi final with Maroochydore. The game could not have been more frustrating for the Pirates when hooker Louis Turnbull was injured and then developing half back Jake Scanlon suffered a game ending injury leaving the Pirates rudderless and unable to penetrate the Devils defence. Coach Dane Campbell while despondent over the loss and the aggravation to the growing injured list was upbeat after the game and more determined to regain the form that showed the competition that the Pirates are a threat especially after the great victory over the Caboolture Snakes the previous week. Dane also said that if the Pirates replicate that form against the Swans in the knock out semi final then he is confident the Pirates can go a long way into the final series. Dane also pointed out that the Pirates should have Sam McGregor, Angus Stewart, Anthony Zipf, Brad McCarthy, Josh Henaway and Pio Tabua back in the team next week and will also closely monitor the fitness of a number of other players. Dane believes his team has the potential to go all the way this season but just needs the stars to align at the right time.  

The Reggies are also in the knock out semi final and take on the Caloundra Sharks in the curtain raiser. This should be a good game as the Pirates have shown they have plenty of heart and will go the distance. A win by the Reggies would not surprise even though they have been struggling with numbers of late. 

Big game this Sunday for the Pirates so make sure you get to Wises Road and show your support when the Pirates take on the Maroochydore Swans in what is a do or die for the boys. Always a great game between these two traditional rivals and a win by the Pirates will make the more fancied teams take plenty of notice. The Reggies kick off at 1.10pm; then the big one Noosa v Maroochydore at 3pm. 

‘Remember, Rugby League football, the greatest game of all.’