After the previous week was rained out, the Noosa Dolphin Juniors braved last weekend’s deluge in a wet and wild round five on Saturday.
U14s
Noosa 7 defeated by Maroochydore 41
We had a home round this week in some of the wettest and worst conditions that both teams had ever seen. It made it a very interesting game where both teams needed to revert back to basics due to the mud and rain.
Due to Maroochydore’s constant pressure on Noosa’s line, the goal line defense had to be on point which was difficult at times due to the slippery conditions. Sadly, that was not enough from Noosa as Maroochydore came out on top this time.
But due to some luck and skill from our number 20, Tom Baker, we were able to score a converted try from half way. Everyone on the team put in their all in the wet, muddy and at times extremely cold conditions.
U12s by player Alex Bingham
It was a smashing wet weather game for the U12s this round, defeating the Eumundi Dragons 29-0. A great start to the first half for the boys after they smashed over two quick tries in the early minutes. One thing led to another, and the rain couldn’t stop our spirits scoring two more tries before half-time. At half-time the Dolphins led 24-0.
The rain was pouring down even more in the second half which made it difficult for the Dolphins to steal a few extra points before the game ended.
Eumundi held strong, until Liam Stroem stormed across the line for the Dolphins’ final try. Player of the match went to three players this week – Oscar Lloyd, Hamish Payne, and Tonkla Phumtabtim.
U11s
We arrived to another wet Saturday game against Uni playing on the Main Dolphin Oval.
We had our best start to a match this season. Maintaining possession, we worked the ball down field with lots of enterprising running and passing from backs and forwards. We were rewarded with a try in the corner to George.
We were unable to maintain possession for any significant period for the remainder of the half, meaning the boys had to defend their try-line bravely for long periods, but eventually it led to a try to Uni. It was a great defensive effort by all boys and in particular by Lewis, Noah, Mac and Cormac. At half time the score was 5-5.
As the rain continued to fall in the second half, again we struggled to maintain possession handing over the ball too many times and failing to win the contest at the breakdown. Again, we defended stoically but the sheer weight of possession and territory to Uni saw them score to lead 12-5.
The boys regrouped in their in-goal and hatched a plan for the equaliser which came to fruition with Lenni putting his hand up for the conversion and coolly slotted it between the posts for an exciting 12-12 draw.
U10s Reds
This round saw the U10s Reds dominant against University on a sodden Noosa Dolphins field. It was a very pleasing turnaround from our last game and made for happy coaches. The boys showed great team effort with strong attacking phases and very solid defence in the first 15 minutes. Unfortunately, the game was cut short after a University player was knocked unconscious. Thankfully, the boy, Hunter, has since been cleared of serious injury in what was a very concerning incident.
What was really wonderful to see was the respect and genuine concern our boys had for this player and his wellbeing, with our captain Kai speaking to Hunter and his mother before the side left the field. This is sportsmanship at its best.
U8s
Wow, what a start to our first proper game of tackle. The teams both took it to Eumundi and Caloundra on a wet and windy Saturday morning down at Kawana. Some great running from Zach left Harry with plenty of opportunities to take a few tries and Player of the Match honours, followed closely behind with Henry doing the hard yards in tight. Jenson, Johnny and Harvey all pushed for Player of the Match with some great rugby. Hunter, Aston and Jack also put in fine efforts around the field
In game two, the Fins shot out of the blocks very quickly with Finn running in a few quick length-of-the-field tries. Some great running and passing saw Malik pick up the Player of the Match try of the day, finished off by Stella. The workhorses of the team, Teddy, Ari, and Mason did the hard yards to keep the quick ball coming. Hit of the day went to Zach B, and Hugo impressed with some great pilfered kept Eumundi back peddling. What a great game from both U8s teams.
U7s
Our Under 7 Fins kicked off first against Brothers on a wet, muddy and windy Saturday morning. After initially dodging puddles and getting used to a rugby ball that more resembled a bar of soap, the team learnt that today’s game needed to be played tighter. Some great evasive running by Jake B led to a handful of tries, but it was great handling and speed in defence that led to a Player of the Match for Cisco C.
Under 7s Reds played a low-on-numbers Caloundra side and it was great to see the Noosa team fill in and help them out. Belly slides and puddle jumps made way for some great rugby, with the twins James and Toby E putting on their stepping master class. Theo kept the team enthused with his dogged defence.
