Dolphins back ready from the break

Buster returns to U7s with an award-grabbing performance. (Supplied)

Under 6s – Noosa White vs Grammar and Noosa Red vs Maroochydore. Noosa’s defence was rock solid in both games and unstoppable with the ball in hand offering two great hit-outs after the three-week break. Domino’s Pizza Player of the Match for Noosa White was Harris R who was back from a broken collarbone and scored with his first touch of the ball. For Noosa Red, the award went to Harry C who showed just how much he has improved by making a good number of tags.

Under 7s – Playing Eumundi at Nambour this week, welcome back Buster. After a great run from Gus, Alfie scored the first try, beating a player with a strong step and breaking the line with a dummy pass. Buster was straight back into it with an impressive run down the right-hand sideline, set up from Hemi. Great defence from Alfie and good support at the ruck from Archer. Gus helped coach Hamish with the defensive line throughout the game. Archer sealed the first half with a try. Buster had many strong runs in the second half, scoring four tries. Owen also scored with a dummy on the line and great dive. Hemi rounded off the game, beating three players with three steps and passing off to Buster, a real team effort. Domino’s Pizza Player of the Match went to Buster. The team was missing the blistering pace of Otis who will be back next week.

Under 8s – Noosa vs Nambour. It was an early morning kick-off at Nambour Toads. The boys were pumped after the holiday break. The Toads were determined from the start but the Dolphin boys were up for the challenge. They switched on in defence with strong tackling and Duke’s try-saving covering tackles were on display. The ruck play was exceptional thanks to Archie and Owen getting multiple turnovers and clearing out. This set up for some impressive attacking teamwork. The boys’ passing and offloads were a great display of support play with Flynn and Alfie to be rewarded with runaway tries. Eddie, Kafoa and Fion showed strong running with some exciting attacking raids from Hugo. Hugo’s grubber and regather from Flynn to score set the crowd alight. Domino’s Pizza Player of the Match went to Owen.

Under 10s – The U10s were in and racing from the very beginning for a physical game against Matthew Flinders in Nambour. Scrums were well-fought and often won with great aggression from the Dolphins. The team pushed closer and closer to the Flinders line, and through many phases of solid ball carrying and successful ruck work, Mason busted over the line for the first try of the game. A successful conversion by Zachy D drove the Phins ahead early in the match. A neat little kick and chase by Flinders gifted them significant ground, but they were held up and denied by super solid Dolphins defence right near the line. Some solid driving and clean outs from Eden saw some big Flinders guys pushed back, until Seb broke through for a great little run right before the half-time whistle. Flinders came out fast after half time and fought back with a couple of breakaway tries to, ultimately, take the game. All in all, an excellent game of rugby. Congrats to Domino’s Pizza Player of the Match Fynn, with the Laserzone award going to Henry.

Under 11s – In a thrilling match against Eumundi at Grammar, the U11 Dolphins showcased their depth and teamwork with an impressive performance. The Dolphins generously lent five players to Eumundi, setting the stage for an inclusive and spirited game. Right from the start, Ben made a crucial offload that led to a stunning try by Sol, quickly followed by another try from Ben himself. Erik then powered through from a lineout to extend the lead to 21-0. Ben continued his dominant display with a crafty try from halfway, boosting the score to 28-0 by halftime. In the second half, Sol displayed excellent ball control, executing two ground kicks to set up Ben for yet another try, extending the Dolphins’ lead to 35-0. Harvey’s relentless tackling kept Eumundi in check, though they managed a try in the corner, closing the gap to 35-5. The match was marked by outstanding defence from all team members and exemplary sportsmanship.

Under 12s – Reds On a sloppy Kawana field last Saturday, the U12 Dolphins tried their best against another top three team in the competition: Brothers. Unfortunately, the Reds came up short against an incredibly tight and efficient opposition. Despite getting over the line twice, the boys were unable to stop Brothers storming through their defence to take a commanding lead at full time. Chin up boys. Domino’s Pizza Player of the Match went to Harry for leading from the front with excellent tackles and unshakeable determination.

Under 12 – Whites – The U12 Whites travelled down to Grammar for an excellent display of tactical teamwork in Round 10. The boys put in an awesome effort to dominate a determined Grammar outfit. Great teamwork saw a variety of the Whites getting over the line. In another show of true Dolphins spirit, it was wonderful to see injured Whites players taking the time to come down and support their teammates on the field. Domino’s Pizza Player of the Match went to Oscar who also scored his first try during the match.

Under 13s – The U13 Noosa Dolphins came out firing on all cylinders against Grammar, one of the strongest teams in the comp. The first 15-20 minutes was not only the U13s strongest start yet, but was technically the best rugby they have played. Although getting very close to putting the first points on the board, it wasn’t to be. The loss to Grammar, however, was met with some very encouraging comments by Coach Ben from the Grammar coach. They pointed out that watching Noosa was a masterclass on how to be on the ball. Technically they are as good as any team in the comp; the scoreline – substantially less than last time – was due mainly to some bigger Grammar players getting over the line. Special mentions to Harry as full-back against some big players, Cormac carrying the ball and leading his pack. Points went to Luke for leading his team all over the paddock. Matty for embarrassing them by being all over the ball. The Domino’s Pizza Player of the Match to Victor for never resting, hitting every single ball, always talking and calling for support as needed. After all, rugby is a game of communication. A very special thanks to assistant coach Frankie for the fantastic coaching so generously given through this season. Enjoy your long break!