A Grade Noosa Dolphins 43 – Wynnum Bugs 19
The Ray White Noosa Dolphins wrapped up the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union A Grade minor premiership with a commanding 43-19 victory over the Wynnum Bugs. The annual trip to Brisbane’s bayside is a highlight for the team who travelled by bus with the reserve grade side to claim its sixth consecutive win this season. Both sides struggled to gain the upper hand initially until Dolphins half-back Will Christie extracted the ball from a driving maul to score in the 25th minute. While the warm and windy conditions added to the challenge, the Noosa boys were on track, outscoring the Bugs in the first half 24-7 with two tries to Alfie Hill and a try to Captain Brandon Mayhew. Building on momentum in the second half, the Dolphins were aggressive with Little Sister Noosa player of the match, lock Jonathan Davey working tirelessly. Jonathan’s set piece and high volume of carries proved instrumental in laying the platform from which the halves could attack. It was also another impressive kicking game from fullback Jordan Mayhew, strangling the Bugs backline for many periods of the game. The Dolphins added three more tries to the final score through Jacob Spark, Dave Grant and Alfie Hill who sealed the win when he crossed the line for the third time. Despite conceding a few tries, it was a clinical performance by the Dolphins scoring a total of seven tries in the bonus-point win. During the after match team chat Coach Michael Phelan had nothing but praise for his team’s effort in achieving the minor premiership title. Having won 10 out of the 11 rounds, the Dolphins have proven to be the most consistent team in the Sunshine Coast Competition and will now have the advantage of playing the major semi-final in front of a home crowd against Caloundra Lighthouse on Saturday. Kick-off is at 4pm.
Reserve Grade Noosa Dolphins 47 – Wynnum Bugs 17
The Ray White Noosa Dolphins Reserve Grade headed south for a must win game to make finals. In hot and very windy conditions Noosa lost the toss to have the wind at the back in the first half. The lost opportunity turned out to be a good one, as the team scored the first try with a driving maul. From there the team built a lot of pressure on the Wynnum Bugs, and with some very interesting refereeing calls going towards the Dolphins, Ryan Frisby kicked three penalties in a row to take the score to 14-0. The Dolphins had not finished as Jock Hansson did his best Bismarck Du Plessis impersonation scoring a hat trick and setting up a try for his captain, all before half-time. The half time score Noosa 33 to Wynnum 0. Heading into the wind in the second half was a different story for the Dolphins. The Bugs came out and scored two quick tries and left the Dolphins defending its line for most of the half. Hayden Trask and Josh McMasters managed to score a try apiece from long range to push the margin to 47-12. The opposition finished the game with a try on the hooter to give their ‘Old Boys’ something to cheer about. Noosa Dolphins play Gympie Hammers in the Reserve Grade minor semi-final at USC on Sunday; kick-off is at 2pm.
Women Noosa Dolphins 34 – Gympie Hammers 12
After a strong week at training, the Ray White Noosa Dolphins women were more than prepared for the challenge against the Gympie Hammers in the last round before the finals. As expected the Hammers came out firing on home turf but struggled to match the physicality, skill and passion of the Dolphins. The Noosa side executed their game plan with patience, at no point becoming complacent with the score. The forwards, led by captain and Little Sister Noosa player of the day Tess Evans were relentless and as a result, Noosa defeated Gympie 34-12. The energy going into this Saturday’s major semi-final against Caboolture Snakes is unstoppable; the team is fitter and stronger than ever to take on the minor premiers. Kick-off is at 12.30pm at Dolphin Oval.
Colts Noosa Dolphins 19 – USC Barbarians 17
The Ray White Noosa Dolphins Colts played the USC Barbarians in the second last round game of the season on a very hot Saturday morning. A strong and tough start by both teams saw hard running and good defence. Playing to team pattern, a good short side passing play by the Dolphins created a great try for Christian Vidic converted by Casey Allen. A pick and drive try and conversion by the Barbarians equalled the score followed by a penalty conversion to give the Barbarians a half time 10-7 lead. The Dolphins field position and pressure early in the second half saw Ben Roberts score. With bench players coming on and playing well the Noosa side lifted the pressure on the opposition and got another good try to Tyson Schefe converted by Tom Payne, making the score 19-10. Further pressure in the lineout and scrum saw the Dolphins attack the Barbarians line for a large period of time. Unable to take a few scoring opportunities, the Dolphins turned over the ball with the Barbarians running the length of the field to score and convert. A tense last five minutes resulted in the Dolphins winning 19-17. Dolphins’ players’ player went to Tyson Schefe. The last round game before the finals is at Dolphin Oval against Caloundra Lighthouse on Saturday; kick-off is at 10.45am.
