Noosa Dolphins A Grade 25 def Caloundra Lighthouse 19
The Ray White Noosa Dolphins A Grade have booked their place in the 2020 Sunshine Coast Rugby Union grand final with a thrilling 25-19 win against Caloundra Lighthouse. The Dolphins, who finished the regular season as minor premiers, will make their 33rd grand final appearance in front of a home crowd with the four-tries-to-three win over Caloundra granting the club hosting rights. Passionate rugby fans filled Dolphin Oval on Saturday to watch the top teams clash and the on-field performance did not disappoint with both teams bringing plenty of passion and intensity to the contest. A Jordan Mayhew penalty kick delivered first points to the Dolphins but it was the Lighthouse who charged ahead in the first half with two converted tries – taking full advantage of the Dolphins inability to gather momentum. Unruffled by trailing 14-3 at half time, the home-side prepared to take control of the game with patience and smart play. With the ball in Dolphins’ possession and a sideline scuffle distracting the opposition, veteran prop Gary McNeil wasted no time when the opportunity presented to take a quick tap. McNeil charged across the white line assisted by Jarrad Postle who successfully grounded the Dolphins first try that was converted by Jordan Mayhew. At a frantic pace, the Dolphins were soon back on the attack, vice-captain Wil Rogers’s brilliant ball pick up and reach over the line pushed the Dolphins into the lead. The reigning premiers threw everything they had at the Dolphins and their persistence paid off as they crawled back, scoring a try to come within a point of the Dolphins. But the mammoth second half was not over for the Noosa men, from precision backline passing came a last minute try to Jordan Mayhew resulting in a 25-19 Dolphins win. The Little Sister Noosa player of the match and 3-points went to Will Christie for his enormous work rate, 2-points went to Adam Waring and 1-point went to Gary McNeil. This Saturday’s Maroochydore Swans and Caloundra Lighthouse clash will determine who the Dolphins will face in the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union grand final at Dolphin Oval on Saturday, 31 October. The grand final will also feature the Dolphins Women after their victory over the Caboolture Snakes 24-7, while the Dolphins Reserve Grade season has come to an end after being knocked out in the minor semi-final with a 0-7 loss against the Gympie Hammers.
Noosa Dolphins Colts 51 def Caloundra Lighthouse 12
On hot Saturday morning the Ray White Noosa Dolphins Colts took on Caloundra Lighthouse for our last round game of the season. An early backline passing movement saw Kynan Ashton-Martin score a good try which was the start of his man of the match performance. With limited field position and possession we made good use of our chances with tries to wingers Alex Tollis and Ethan Richardson. The final try of the half came from an outstanding long range stepping run from Kynan where he beat numerous defenders to off load to Tyson Schefe to score. Some clever kicking from Caloundra got them two tries for the half, which made the halftime score Dolphins 26 Lighthouse 12. With the big Lighthouse forwards getting tired in the hot midday sun and better field position and pressure, Kynan again produced a good stepping run down a tight sideline to score. A strong run gave Christian Vidic a try and good support play was finished off with a try to Harry Langbridge. Some nice passing gave Tom Payne a gap to run into and score. With only a few minutes to go Tom Payne put in a good grubber for Casey Allen to dive on the ball for the final try to give us a good win of Noosa 51 to Caloundra 12. Remy Livingston was very impressive in the lineouts winning a number of Caloundra’s throws and Leo Langbridge working hard around the field at the breakdown and in defence. Our backline worked well with some good ball movement and straight running. Our final game of the season will be against USC Barbarians in the grand final. Players’ player and man of the match went to Kynan Ashton-Martin.
