Mixed results for the Ray White Noosa Dolphins on Saturday with reserve grade progressing to the 2024 Grand Final with a 46-13 win over Brothers, but the A grade having to back up this Saturday in one last chance to take the field in the season decider with their 32-28 loss to University.
Against a very well drilled and positive opposition, the Dolphins had opportunities and held the lead in the match on numerous occasions however could not hold on. Lost possession at crucial times by the Dolphins put themselves under pressure requiring them to defend for long periods. University in contrast played with poise and held the ball for enough phases at the back end of the match to eventually take the lead back with three minutes left on the clock. ‘The boys did defend well, but with University taking their opportunities and controlled possession better, we just fell short’ assistant coach Geno Costin said. ‘Full credit to University, they did better at crucial times, but we are not far off and I know the home crowd appreciated the effort put in. Having said that, we need to be better, and we still have the chance against Brother this weekend’.
With injuries continuing to hound the Dolphins including the class of Jimmy Wilson-Bishop still sidelined with hand fractures, prop Pala Mailangi again forced to leave the field in Saturdays match and centre Ben Rogers unavailable as he tours South Africa with the Australian Deaf Team, it will be again a case of next man up. The fact the reserve grade side has this weekend off will provide some flexibility for the A Grade coaching staff with team selections to take on Brothers, a team that the Dolphins have had success over this year, but in close and tough matches. The winner goes through to meet University in the August 17 Grand Final.
KBs player of the match Jock Hansson was dynamic and continued his strong season which has seen his selection in the Queensland Country side with team mates Levi Shaw and Will Christie.
The Ray White Dolphins Reserve grade put on one of their best performances of the season in their win over Brothers 46-13. In both attack and defence, the Dolphins dominated against Brothers giving them direct passage into the Grand Final.
Matches this week at University (Sippy Downs):
• A Grade 3.30pm Noosa v Brothers
• Res Grade 1.30pm Caloundra v Brothers
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