The University Barbarians showed why they are dominating the A Grade Rugby premiership this year with a clinical display in their 39-12 defeat of the Ray White Noosa Dolphins last Saturday.
With University taking control of the set plays and their driving maul, the Noosa side struggled to get any go forward leading to lapses in discipline and concentration.
Despite the score line, coach Matt Buckland saw enough to know the side will show their full potential before the seasons end.
“I couldn’t fault the effort of our team but we weren’t the same team that we have been over the past four weeks. We didn’t execute in the areas we need to, giving them way too much space to attack,“ Buckland said.
“The times we did get things right, we put them under pressure and had them on the ropes.“
Corey Dietrich and Tyson Schefe again put on a brave showing in defence impressing the Noosa supporters, Dietrich taking out man of the match honours with Matt Kelly and Will Christie taking 2 and 1 points respectively.
The unfavourable results were also felt by the Reserve grade going down to University 20-5.
After four wins on the trot, the Dolphins were n the receiving end of a reality check against the impressive Barbarians, who remain on top of the Reserve Grade ladder.
Coach Mark Winder was thankful for the defensive effort in the first half, restricting the opposition to a half time score of 5-0.
That effort though took its toll in the second half with the local side struggling to match their opposition. Josh McMaster, Harry Glassock and Jack Davey taking the 3,2,1 player points.
Hosting international sides continued this week for the Ray White Noosa Dolphins with the Hong Kong Test side paying a visit.
While not the Wallabies from two weeks ago, the Hong Kong team used the opposed training session against the Dolphins as part of the preparation for their Rugby World Cup Qualification match against Tonga this Saturday.
The Ray White Dolphins are away at Wynnum this weekend with the final round home game against Caloundra on 30 July. That match will most likely determine if the Dolphins get to host a home semi final, needing to win against the Lighthouses to take third position on the table.
