Another of great round of rugby on Saturday with the Noosa Dolphins Juniors giving it all they’ve got.
Under 12s
Noosa 12 defeated by Nambour 41
Nambour won scissors, paper, rock and decided to be on the receiving end of the kick-off. Noosa’s fly half, Harrison Perkins stood up for the kick-off as Noosa started off the first half strong scoring the first try due to a steal in Nambour’s 22 and Tonkler scoring. Unfortunately, Noosa then conceded three back-to-back penalties, which allowed Nambour to move further and further up the field and after a quick tap inside Noosa’s 10m line, they ran around Noosa’s defence to score. It was a gripping and very even first half of rugby.
It was quite a forwards-focused game overall as Nambour were consistently running at Noosa’s forwards, who tried their best to get over the ball in the ruck. The backs displayed great skill by defending in a line and stopping the ball getting out to Nambour’s wings. Despite Noosa’s best effort it was not enough. Domino’s Players of the Match were Max, Jasper and Hamish K.
Under 11s
After a good win last weekend, the team’s confidence was up for Round 9 against Matthew Flinders at Eumundi. Signs were positive as we got away to an early try to Matty Brook who was testing the opposition’s defence with his probing runs that continued throughout the game. However, Matthew Flinders started to roll through the middle and scored four unanswered tries to go 4-1 tries at half-time.
After some soul searching at half-time the boys rallied and began to get some go forward in the rucks, especially from Mac and Kade. The Dolphins defended aggressively, particularly Harry and Lenni, which led to two more Noosa tries. But we were unable to bridge the gap as time ran out 4-3 tries down. We saw great efforts from all the boys and especially big improvements from newcomers Aidan and Liam. Happy holidays to all boys and parents.
U10s Reds
The Reds looked formidable in their warm-up against Eumundi in Round 9, with solid formation of the line and scrum. On the field, it was a similar story, with the wingers maintaining position and great passing amongst the boys. What a pleasure it has been to watch this outstanding team come together. There’s still work to be done with the forwards and cleaning out the ball to the back line, but the Reds maintained great pressure defensively on the Eumundi side, conceding just one try to the opposition.
Tries went to Max T, Cooper, Raffie and Kai among others, with Caesar able to convert a brilliant intercept of the Eumundi ball into a very entertaining try. Tommy and Max yet again proved their skills in an outstanding conversion rate. Max T was Domino’s Player of the Match, with special mention to Albie and Ryker who gave their all and played for the Eumundi side.
U10s Fins
By Dylan Tasker, coach and poet
A lack of commitment at training wasn’t the ideal preparation,
Before facing Grammar Saturday morning, Eumundi the destination.
A pep talk before the game to remind the boys of the Dolphins culture,
The club is in good stead with these champions of the future.
The Fins started on fire, playing for each other,
Shoulder to shoulder as teammate and brother.
Archie was picked to captain for the first time this season.
His early involvement justified the reason.
Ollie was a handful as he terrorised the opposition,
He, Perry and Lincoln scored to get in a leading position.
The Fins dominated the ruck through the tireless efforts of Bailey and Max,
Along with Levi, the trio crashed and cleaned out the packs.
Louie and Alby benefited from the quick clean ball,
As they shifted the pill to the edges beyond the maul.
Seb and Tom got in on the act,
Running and passing to each other in a backline pact.
Lennox as usual busted would-be tackles,
Riley was a beast unleashed from the shackles.
Best on ground helping the Fins win without trouble,
Was young tyro Tyler with a try scoring double.
Under 9s
As the dew burnt off the green grass of the gladiatorial arena which is Eumundi Oval the Noosa Dolphins U9s gird their loins to do battle with the arch foe, Grammar Green. Before the crowd had settled into their seats, Mason had gathered the ball from the kick-off and run 70 metres to score under the posts.
From the ensuing kick-off, the game turned into one of defence for the Dolphins with Barnaby very much to the fore with a strong tackling effort. As we continued to defend it seemed that our number 7 was everywhere. This was helped by the fact both Hunter and Jake were wearing number 7 and both were prominent throughout.
Emerson took the ball from a subsequent restart and had the first of his many devastating runs of the day. Then a brilliant piece of work from Sol saw him rip the ball from Grammar and sprint away for our second try of the day.
Showing more moves and better feet than Fred Astaire, Hugo tripped the light fantastic through Grammar’s forward pack bringing the crowd to its feet and scoring a brilliant try.
The second half saw Leo, in his final match for the Dolphins, playing out of his skin, tackling everything that moved and topping the run metres.
The game ended with a late and well-deserved try to Emmerson and, on the basis, that last try meant the Dolphins triumphed. Jake and Taylor were worthy winners of the Domino’s Players of the Match, and we would like to say thanks and farewell to Leo.
Under 7 Fins
Under 7 Fins kicked off at Maroochydore with both teams short on numbers. This led to some open running rugby with Forrest J scoring six tries with lots of open space to run into. We saw great defence by Atlas S and more elusive running from Eddie M. Jaxon C showed his continuing skill learning with a try, some fast tagging and the Domino’s Player of the Match award.
Under 7 Reds
Under 7 Reds also played at Maroochydore against Grammar. Both teams played well with a very even contest. Theo showed a number of great runs. Lennon scored a couple of elusive stepping tries and Jayden put up some awesome defending. Domino’s Player of the Match was Jayden, who also played his last game with the team. Good luck on your move, Jayden.
