With no less than 5 debutantes, Bronte Langbridge, Tahlia Birrell, Paige Tuirrisi, Bridget Duncan and Jemima Ward, the Ray White Noosa Dolphins Women’s team headed into Saturday’s trial match against Brisbane Norths as a an unknown entity. The reigning Sunshine Coast Premiers were without so much experience from last year with the loss of several players who are testing themselves in the Brisbane competition this year, headed by former Captain Tess Evans. Any concerns about that inexperience though quickly vanished as the girls put in a Herculean effort claiming victory 47-15.
‘It was a great performance all-round’ said coach Damien Cogill. ‘To see the character of the girls on display was really encouraging, especially those in their first game’ Cogill reflected. ‘To cap it off, Bridget Duncan, playing in her first ever game of rugby, ran 50 meters to score with her first touch of the ball’.
The match also saw sisters Phoebe and Bronte Langbridge play together for the first time, adding to the family’s rugby legacy at the Dolphins. Whilst acknowledging the team effort, Cogill pointed to the outstanding leadership displayed by Co Captains Rhi Zanelli and Dillyn Blackburn who were standouts on the paddock.
In other games, the reserve grade was impressive in defeat, leading the scoreboard the entire match until the final 5 minutes going down 24-17 with coach Mark Winder very happy with the performance. ‘They are a big side Norths and for us to have the chance to test ourselves against Brisbane clubs like that is great’ Winder said. ‘To be leading the whole match like we did, until that last 5 minutes impressed me. We will take the next two weeks to learn from these hit outs before we take on Maroochydore in two weeks’.
A Grade coach Matt Buckland was impressed by the display put in by the A Grade team despite playing a more experienced and well drilled Brisbane Norths. ‘The effort in the contest of our guys could not be questioned’ Buckland said. ‘They pushed Norths the entire match in all facets of the game, but against a side who have been training since November, I knew it would be difficult’ Buckland said of the 39-19 loss.
Impressing Buckland in the two trials to date have been winger Tom McAneney and second rower Levi Shaw who joined the club this year from the Gungahlan club in Canberra.
The Ray White Dolphins now have two weeks to prepare for the opening Round one match against Maroochydore at Cotton Tree on April 2. For all the updates and news, check out the Noosa Dolphins Facebook page.
