Combinations and not commitment is what Ray White Noosa Dolphins coach Matt Buckland attributes to the disappointing season start following the 43-10 loss to reigning premiers University at the weekend. With a squad consisting 22 of the 23 players from last years winning grand final team, the premiers were contained well in the first half, with the Ray White Dolphins trailing 9-3 at half time. The second half posed a different story though as Universities patience and teamwork ground away at the Dolphins. “The boys effort cannot be faulted in these opening season games,” Buckland said. “They aren’t quite gelling at the moment, but they will click. When you put in as they are they will find their rhythm, I am confident of that.” A number of new faces were on display in the A grade game for the Ray White Dolphins and that brings with it inexperience, but as Buckland noted, patience is needed to allow combinations to settle. Fullback Tom McAneneny put in another outstanding performance following up his match against the Swans with the hard working Matt Kelly and Levi Shaw also taking the eye of Buckland.
In the reserve grade grand final replay, University came out victors 17-0 in a messy mistake ridden match in the wet conditions in a match that didn’t disappoint the expectations of coach Mark Winder. “We knew it was going to be tough assignment this weekend, but like the A grade, our commitment cannot be questioned,” he said.
In contrast, the Ray White Noosa Women’s team were the class act of the day running out 72-0 victors. With University having much of the possession in the first 10 minutes, it was the Noosa defence that coach Damien Cogill put the eventual win down to. “Uni got off to a solid start and our girls were on the back foot, but they were relentless in defence and that set up the rest of the game,” he said. In tricky conditions following the overnight downpour, the teamwork and skill on display was outstanding. Tyla Te Moana in the 10 jersey steered the team around the paddock, continuing to grow in that key position, with Captain Rhi Zanelli and vice captain Dillyn Blackburn leading in the forwards. But it was the Langbridge girls Phoebe and Bronte who took top honours with 3 and 2 points respectively in the player of the day awards followed closely by Naomi Tomlinson with 1 point.
With the Easter weekend free of Rugby, the Ray White Dolphins focus on round three at Caloundra on 23 April. Check out the Dolphins Facebook page for all the latest news.
