In a thrilling match against Uni on a Caloundra field, the Noosa Dolphins under-14s showcased their talent with noticeable improvements from the previous week’s loss.
Right from the start, the players left their mark on the game, with Rory carving a well-worn path across the try line. Meanwhile, Noah demonstrated exceptional skills, consistently finding gaps in the opposing defence and executing lightning-fast footwork to secure multiple breaks.
The Noosa team’s performance was a clear testament to their effort to improve and learn from the previous week. They dominated the match from beginning to end with consistent effort and performance.
With an impressive final score of 48-0 in their favour, Noosa proved their superiority in all areas. McDonald’s Player of the Match went to Lachie Walker.
Under 12s
The boys turned up to Maroochydore to take on a sizeable Brothers team, who proved equally challenging opponents. Our boys made a bucket load of tackles, and should be proud of themselves for the way they played throughout a tough match.
They let a couple of tries through within the first five minutes, and the first half required a lot of solid defence, which the Dolphins produced. We also got on the scoreboard for a good try in the corner by Manus. Brothers managed another converted try, and went into halftime with a solid lead.
Our boys regrouped well in the second half, not just with their defence but securing the ball for some solid attacking plays also. This resulted in Harry crossing over after a great run to the try line. Lenny was noticeable for making some great ground in his surges forward also.
Our tackling and defence continued strongly for the final 40 minutes, and the boys did themselves proud. The 12-40 score line does not reflect our quality of play. Brothers were impressive throughout.
Under 11s
Reds – Up against the Swans on their Maroochydore home ground, the Reds were ready to redeem themselves after last week’s lacklustre performance. Maroochydore found Noosa still shaking the sleep out of their eyes though, and took advantage to score early. Once thoroughly awake, the Reds’ defence sprang to life with some very solid and much-improved tackling from all the boys.
Xavier and Jerry had great runs, with Ryker and Max getting over the line.
The second half showed great passing from the boys and some smart rugby, resulting in tries to Albie, Kai and Harry, with Max converting most for a comfortable win. Overall, a great bounce back to glory for the Reds, only marred by coach Chris’s on-the-nose All Blacks support for the first Bledisloe. Domino’s Pizza Player of the Match went to Jake, who is a great utility showing constant improvement.
Fins – by poet Dylan Tasker –
A game of two halves for the Fins this week,
Wins against Uni and Peregian the boys would seek,
First up the Barbarians brought heat to the rucks and maul,
To a boy the Fins matched the intensity and stood tall.
Some excellent passages of play in a free-flowing attack,
Tyler pop passed to Perry, offload to Ollie, sprinting away like a back,
A bruising encounter the Fins defence held firm,
A short break before playing the Saints in the second term.
An exciting match-up with friends playing in the opposing team,
The boys were pumped ready to tackle, run and scheme,
The Saints were committed, the Fins took up the fight,
The champagne rugby was a magnificent sight.
Not much in it, yet the Fins prevailed,
At the set piece the big moments they nailed,
Bailey Calcraft was in everything good the team did,
A deserved McDonald’s Player of the Match for a terrific young kid.
Under 11s
Whites – Here we were in downtown Cotton Tree, for a rematch against Matthew Flinders. We were short and the Reds after their mighty tussle loaned us some players to match numbers. A flying start saw Hugo with a deft pair of hands send Ben on his way for an early try, to be followed up rapidly with a fluid movement through hands, Harvey onto Duke, to AFL Tom and there was Ben again for his second in as many minutes.
The score was already 14-0 and we still hadn’t caught our breaths. But there was more, a brilliant chip and chase saw Harvey over for another try, 21-0.
Mason started to make serious yards with each touch of the ball giving us some serious go forward, but some wayward hands saw Flinders with the ball. Defence from Soccer Tom and Zion saw them repulsed, all this time Sol was everywhere as was Hunter, continually harassing the opposition. The kick-chase option was on again, this time from Mason. It resulted in a burrowing try to Hugo, halfback extraordinaire, score 28-0.
From the kick-off we saw the two Toms combine to bust Flinders wide open but a quick turnover had Flinders reefing the ball downfield and winning the race to score, 28-7. It seemed we had nodded off as Flinders scored from the kick-off to have a half-time score of 28-12.
The second half had Zac taking command in tight, then onto soccer Tom who made a good run beating 25 tackles. He offloaded to the ever-present Taylor who smartly flicked to Sol who linked with Hugo and we earned a penalty. From the ensuing tap, Zion took the ball on the fly and brushed off defenders to score under the posts for his first rugby try. This took the game out of Flinders’ reach, 35-12.
In the dying moments of the game, Zac and Taylor moved the ball to Mason who was pulled down millimetres from the line but follow-up from Harvey to Hugo had Ben over again for a final score 42-12. Another fine effort from the U11 Whites.
