It was a competitive return to the rugby season for the Noosa Dolphins Juniors after the school holidays
Under 11s
Old rivals Brothers raced to an early lead with a few tries before Noosa had woken up. After that, the boys played well and held their own against their consistently well-drilled opponent and fiercest competitors from previous seasons.
Two tries went to Lenny, one to George and one to Jack following from some enterprising play and tough defence.
A special mention to all our boys for their brave defence, especially Manus and Victor. Lenny, Isaac and Lewis were strong in attack as Noosa made several raids into the opponent’s territory.
Well done to our scrum again this round which continually came together and won ball against the feed. All in all, a great effort. Keep up the great heart boys.
Under 10s
U10s Fins – A tough hit-out for our first game back after the school holidays and Caloundra certainly showed up to play. Our defence was thoroughly tested but the Fins were up for the challenge, only letting in one try all game.
As always there was some great tackling by the boys matched with some solid runs. Half-time saw us in front by a conversion after a great try by Finn and successful kick from Ollie.
The arm wrestle continued in the second half but the boys kept pushing, with Louie finding a gap to run through and score under the posts, sealing the game for the mighty Fins.
A special mention to our newest member Jack on an outstanding first game, and a warm welcome to the Noosa Fins Under 10s and Dolphins community. Fins captain this match was Lincoln, with Domino’s Players of the Match being Lincoln, Archie and Finn.
U10s Reds – Despite some moments of team-based brilliance for the Reds, as well as outstanding individual play, a tight and disciplined Brothers outfit saw the boys fight hard to stay in the game. As grudge matches go, this was a doozy.
With lots of turnovers against the Reds and some lightning-fast Brothers’ players, strong tackling and defence was needed by the boys. Ollie put his body on the line in a massive tackle against a determined opposition winger, while Raffie was involved in successive tackles to show pure grit on field.
Oscar also showed determination yet again this round with his flexibility on field positions a boon to the team. Kai and Max T had a couple of great runs, with Zac and Max T making it across the line.
Tommy displayed his kicking skills again, converting from out wide on a number of occasions. The boys also welcomed a very enthusiastic Connor to the team this week, who has already shown promise in what was a gruelling first match. Domino’s Player of the Match was well deserved by Raffie who was absolutely relentless in defence.
Under 9s
As the sun rose over Toad Hall, the boys readied themselves by removing the make-up from their previous night’s photo shoot – the annual team photos before Friday night training. Eumundi readied themselves by having a photo shoot.
The game got under way with all the intensity of a test match. Emmerson put on a big hit resulting in a turnover, followed by quick hands from Tom for Ben to score in the corner.
Then set in a period of sustained defence from the boys, including a bone jarrer from Mason that shook the stands and some stellar work from Taylor. In tight, Hugo was mauling like a tiger with Sol tackling everything that moved.
After a surging run up the centre by Eric to clear the ball from our own line, Harvey raced away to score a scintillating solo try. Jake was everywhere in attack.
Ben showed that you should never give up, and chased a Eumundi breakaway 95 metres to pull him down and secure a turnover. Not to be outshone, a short time later Tom raced 60 metres saving a certain try with a copybook cover tackle. Tries came thick and fast with Ben, Emmerson and Harvey all scoring before half time.
The second half started as the first finished with another fine try to Emmerson, as Noosa took control. Monty was relentless in tight, with new boy Huxley proving an astute mid-season buy. Zac was a handful for the opposition, consistently securing turnovers in tight where he was always ably supported by Hunter.
The match concluded with a rampaging try from Mason right on full time. The final score was Noosa 12 – Eumundi 3. Congratulations to Zac and Emmerson who were joint Domino’s Players of the Match.
Under 7s
There were great numbers for the Under 7 Reds against Matthew Flinders. Both team’s skills are developing with great catch and pass, and dogged defence. Theo and Forrest scored a couple of tries, and the twins lead the way with fast defence and their signature stepping. Josh was Domino’s Player of the Match with some big runs.
Under 7 Fins played Grammar and impressed with some dodging runs from Cisco, and great cover defence by Allora. Jake straightened up the attack and there were some top touches by Domino’s Player of the Match, Atlas. Great work teams, well played.
