Noosa a trip too far for Devils
Yeronga Devils took the long trip to Noosa with the full expectation of getting back into the winners circle. After a number of years at the Devils, Phil Laidlaw had earnt his first call up to the seniors. Belly Nizigama was one of the young Devils brigade to get his first game this year and Dion Yevtic was called up for his first game of the year.
Noosa was an unknown quantity as we have never played them before. Their previous results indicated that it would be a close game. The conditions were nearly ideal for football, just a gusting wind from the south and mostly blue skies. The ground is picturesque in its country setting, just a stone’s throw from central Noosa.
Noosa FC and their many supporters were happy with what they saw in the first quarter as they set the standard. For the second week in a row, the Devils failed to trouble the scorers. The main concern was how easily Noosa were able to transfer the play from defence whereas the devils were constantly under pressure.
The hope was that the Devils could play the type of football we have been asking in the second quarter. The early signs were not good as Noosa added another couple of goals. The move of Jack Lush to centre half forward was a move that paid dividends straight away. He kicked 3 quick goals and gave the team a focal point up forward. This took some of the pressure off Boyd and Declan Jordan provided good support. The Devils had worked their way back into the game at the long break.
The third quarter was a replica of the first as the Noosa mids took full control all over the ground. At no point in the second half was there a feeling that the Devils were going to get back into the game as it was deep into the 3rd quarter before the Devils kicked their one and only goal at the southern end.
The Devils have had an interrupted fortnight with not being able to access their main oval to train, but that changes this week and the coaching staff intend to work hard on turning the results around at home. Next week Ash McGrath will make a guest appearance for the Devils, in a must win game. The club is dedicating this game to Phil Laidlaw’s family after the recent loss of his brother. The club encourages all family, friends and associates of the Devils to get out to the game and show our support for a great club man of the Devils.
Yeronga: 0.0 5.1 6.5 7.7 (30)
Noosa: 5.4 7.6 12.9 16.12 (108)
Goal Kickers: J. Lush 3, D. Jordan 2, G. Boyd, B. Davis Best Players: J. Lush, B. Cody, H. Livesey, B. Davis, M. Johnson, R. Yorston