It was another action-packed round for the Noosa Dolphin Junior teams on the May Day long weekend. We take you around the grounds for all the highlights of the second round of the 2022 rugby season.
Under eights
On a rain-soaked morning down in Maroochydore, the Fins took to the field early. Last week’s player of the match, Malik, continued his good form, alongside some barnstorming runs from Mason the Rocket Man. Stella put in her usual consistent shift, and Zach B proved, for the second week in a row, that size doesn’t matter. Ari was an ever-present pest around the breakdown, ensuring Gympie was in for a long morning. There was some great defence from Hugo, while birthday boy and player of the match, Teddy Andrews played well in tight to top off the game, which was another good solid hit out and win.
Afterwards, as the sun pierced through, Noosa Reds took to the field for game two. After some great lead up work from Harry, it was Jenson who was there to pick up a meat pie, with those legs pumping he is hard to stop. Zach Dwyer played the everywhere man in defence and displayed some fantastic zig zag runs. He offloaded onto the quiet but barnstorming Henry who left players in his wake. Then some classy footy work saw Johnny cross for a couple. A switched-on Hunter came to play, also receiving player of the match honours. Meanwhile it was big Jack with the try of the game, running straight through the middle. It was a great win for the Reds with both U8s teams going up 2-0. There are big things ahead.
Under nines
The U9 Dolphins played Flinders at Matthew Flinders at Buderim. On a damp ground, the boys showed great sportsmanship, lending players to the opposing team to enable all players to have a competitive game and ensure they were all worn out at the final whistle.
Our defence and structure continues to improve with some solid ball defence and running by the team, specifically Mason and Sol in this match. We also saw a magic dive tackle by Emmerson which is rare in this age group.
Many of our players got over the try line (Leo, Tom, Taylor, Mason, Barnaby) with Eric, Harvey and Emmerson all managing a trifecta. Well done team, it was a great game to watch.
Under 10s
What a cracking game for the Dolphin U10s Reds against Caloundra in round two. This outing saw all the training and growing knowledge of the game they play in heaven come together for the Reds in what was a very promising display of teamwork and individual skill. With only one sub, the second half slowed and play was less tight, but there were still some moments of brilliance with a breakout run by Duke setting up a great try for Zac, aided by Caesar. Despite troublesome wind and heckling from the opposition, prop Tommy gave a master-class in kicking, sending all three opportunities through the posts. Some great runs from Ethan, and Zac was awarded player of the match. Great to see this team really coming together.
Later in the afternoon, our two U10s teams played the curtain raiser to the A-Grade competition at Noosa’s home ground. The boys were a little nervous playing in front of a bigger crowd, but after running out through cheering lines of encouraging adult Dolphins players, they were pumped. This is what being a part of an awesome club is all about! The Fins won the day, with Marcus getting across the line twice. Well done to all the U10s.
Under 11s
Surprised by how wet the fields were when we arrived at the ground, we knew it was going to be another game dominated by the forwards. With school rugby clubs becoming more focused on the club competition the U11s Dolphins met a better-drilled Matthew Flinders team from years past. We were on the backfoot early, conceding numerous penalties at the breakdowns. This led to a glut of possession to Flinders resulting in the first try to the opposition. Once we were able to hold the ball and build momentum we looked good only to let ourselves down with loose passes and dropped ball as can happen early in the season.
An individual piece of brilliance from Lenni started with a grubber through the opposition line, then he kept on the toe and regathered to score our first try under the posts. The game hung in the balance with both teams trading possession unable to make the killer blow. Forward Victor was again strong in defence and newcomers Aidan and Liam performed admirably in the tough conditions.
A win against our throw-in on our try line led to a Flinders try to win the game. It was a much-improved effort from last weekend and with work still to do at the early stages of the season, we are expecting big things from the U11s Dolphins in the weeks ahead.
Under 14s
Under 14s Noosa Dolphins defeated by Caloundra 28 – 24
(written by lock Toby Eller)
Round two saw the U14s Dolphins face a new side in the under 14s competition, Caloundra. The last time Noosa played against Caloundra was in under 11s. From all points of view, Caloundra was a dark horse as no one knew anything about them or how they would play. Caloundra certainly turned heads when they scored the first try off Noosa’s opening kick-off. The first half continued all Caloundra’s way with them scoring three converted tries to Noosa’s one unconverted try.
The second half saw Noosa claw their way back, scoring three tries and two conversions to Caloundra’s one converted try. Sadly, that was not enough. Both teams played well at Flinders in the very wet and muddy conditions. Dominoes Player of the Match was Liam Oliver.
