The Ray White Noosa Dolphins came away from Caboolture with a 31 all draw last Saturday however know they left a victory on the field. Following last weeks win over the Swans, coach Paul Robson made the point that game management needed to improve yet it was game management that let the Dolphins down. Leading 31-16 with only a minute to go, the Dolphins handed possession to the home team who after relentless pressure crossed the line. The missed conversion on full time leading to the draw.
In a classic case of a game of two halves, the Noosa team were well off their game in the first 40 minutes against a Caboolture side that has shown vast improvement from previous years, despite dominating in set pieces. Wayward passes, missed tackles and poor discipline letting the Noosa side down. The half time break worked in the Dolphins favour clicking into gear in the second period, with clean running, solid defence and an amount of flair lifting spirits.
Robson, whilst happy to come away with points from the match, knows more work on the players mindset is needed. “We have the team to feature in the finals despite the clearly stronger competition this season,” Robson said “but we need to increase our confidence in each other which will result in the team gelling more. That is what will deliver the fast paced game we are looking for and that is our focus going into next Saturdays home game against competition newcommers Brothers.”
Impressing for the Ray White Dolphins were man of the match Ben Ashman, Jimmy Wilson-Bishop at full back and captain Levi Shaw.
The Dolphins third grade Friday night team notched up another victory with an impressive 29-5 victory over Brothers. Other Saturday results saw the Reserve Grade get away with a 2 point victory over Caboolture however the Womens team fell to the bigger and more experienced Caboolture women.
Ray White Rugby returns to Sunshine Beach this Saturday when competition newcomers, and table leaders, Brothers travel north.
12.30 Womens
2pm Reserve Grade
3.30 A Grade
For all the updates, check out the Noosa Dolphins Facebook page.
