In an intense U14s clash, the Noosa Dolphins faced a tough challenge against Grammar, resulting in a nail-biting final score of 12-14 in favour of the opposition.
The Dolphins, who have shown great promise this season, unfortunately suffered their second loss after a bye last week.
Despite glimpses of their usual flair, the Noosa side seemed uncharacteristically flat in their play, both physically and mentally. They struggled with a penalty count of seven-nil during the first half, which put them on the back foot early in the game.
However, amid the challenges, individual brilliance shone through as Lachie made an impressive break through the defence, scoring a crucial try. Archie also demonstrated his prowess by crossing the line to contribute points for the team. Special mention to Jake out on the wing who showed some great defence against much bigger opponents.
Injuries have plagued the U14 Phins this season, but this match marked a turning point as they finally had some substitutes available. With renewed determination, they will undoubtedly be eager to bounce back stronger and aim for victory in the upcoming fixtures.
Under 13s
The Noosa under 13s clashed with their great rivals, the Maroochydore Swans. The first 10 minutes saw Maroochydore pushing down at Noosa’s end. But Noosa survived and were able to get the first points of the match, with a try from Hamish Payne, 5-0.
The U13s pushed for a half-time lead and took a breather. It was a climactic second half as the Swans scored with less than 10 minutes to go and levelled the scores with a kick to come. The try was converted and while Maroochydore led by two, Noosa kept their heads high.
While the clock ran down, Noosa pressured the Swans.
With a bit of space on the outside, the ball found its way into Flynn Clarke’s hands. He sprinted down the left wing and scored on the sideline. With only minutes remaining, Noosa defended their line like their lives depended on it.
Then when the ref shouted “last play!” Noosa clutched to boot the ball out of play. The whistle was blown for full time and Noosa survived in the end, 10-7.
Players of the day were Mack Cooper, Jasper McRitchie and Ishaka Morgan. By U13s’ Alex Bingham.
Under 12s
This week the boys were beaten comprehensively by a well-structured Flinders team. We discussed during the week the need to make tackles and be aggressive at the ruck.
We faced a team that wanted it more, made their tackles and treasured possession of the ball. Next week the boys can expect a week of tackle practice. It’s the key skill to enjoying your rugby.
Under 11s
Reds – Round 11 proved a tough day out for the U11 Reds against a formidable Brothers side seeking blood. The opposition brought plenty of power and speed to the field, scoring twice early in the match. The Reds’ usual intensity and aggression was lacking, though great passing and pure grit resulted in Xavier breaking over the line just on half time.
The second half was frustrating as the boys drifted across the field and the penalties were racked up, with both teams scoring one apiece; Kai crossing the tryline for Noosa.
Overall, the loss was a masterclass in positive rugby, getting on with it when the penalties aren’t going your way, and encouraging and supporting your teammates.
Fins up boys: you’re a better team, but the Brothers were better on the day.
Player Of The Match to Zac, who showed flair, leadership and determination throughout what was a gritty game.
Fins – by poet Dylan Tasker
Grammar at Grammar for the Fins round 11 fixture.
The ground again as pretty as a picture.
After last week’s rusty, error-riddled performance,
This game for the team was of utmost importance.
The Fins dominated possession as the forwards set the pace,
The backs were slick given the time and space.
Archie was the first to cross,
Reward for effort he celebrated like a boss.
Tyler and Lenny showed lots of dash and speed,
Marcus and Perry distributing plenty of ball from which to feed.
The forward pack of Ollie, Max and Jack,
Constantly had Grammar beaten and retreating back,
Bailey at hooker despite his diminutive size,
Charged forward with his eyes on the prize.
Quick thinking from Alby and he was in for a double,
Little Jack laid a tackle that reduced his opponent to rubble.
Alby and Jack shared players of the match honours,
Two junior Dolphin’s with proud mothers and fathers.
Under 10s
Back to Matthew Flinders to face the might of the Maroochy Swans. As our lads were cleaning the sleep from their eyes the Swans snuck over for an early try and a 0-7 lead.
Stung into action, a huge tackle from Eric give us a momentum shift, with Sol combining with Mason for a burst up the middle, onto Tom with Hugo linking to send Ben over out wide for our first try, 5-7. From the kick off Sol was back into it with some quick hands from Albie to Ben. Tom was tiptoeing up the sideline, but was tackled into touch at the last moment.
Our forwards started to rumble, Zion taking up the ball with intent and making good metres. Out wide Duke was everywhere backing up Ben and making good ground with each touch.
Then the quick hands of Hunter, everywhere as ever, offloaded to Tom then Hugo and finally another try to Ben, 12-7.
A good steal by Hugo followed up by impressive work from Zac and Hunter kept the pressure mounting only for some poor ball security allowing a turnover.
Now it was time to dig deep and defend. Alex and Barnaby were all over the Swans forwards and a try-saving tackle by Albie saw us keep our line intact. Running out from our line there was good movement with Hunter and Zion making inroads into the opposition. Finally Ed made the break and passed to Ben who made a devasting run to score yet again, 17-7 at half time.
After the breather, a quick tap from Zac followed by a surging run from Zion set it up for another chance that Ben gleefully took, try 22-7.
Tom was busy with great running yards but couldn’t quite make over the line. All the time Mason was his usual dominant self in both attack and defence, and good teamwork saw the Fins in for another two tries bringing the score to 36-7.
As the game went into double overtime, the boys relaxed a little and let in a couple of late tries for a final score of 36-21.
