The Noosa Dolphins Juniors have kicked off the 2022 season with plenty of great rugby action. Here’s what happened in round one.
Under 14s
Noosa Dolphins Under 14s defeated Brothers in the opening game of the season. It was a cracking game to kick off both teams’ season. There was quite a lot of back and forth for both teams as they defended and continually attacked for the ball. With Brothers consistently attacking our ruck, it opened up space out wide which ensured that Noosa put over two tries in the first half. The second half saw both teams come out strong and ready for victory but ultimately Noosa came out on top scoring another two tries to Brothers’ one. A great game was played by all under the guidance of our new coach Mick Phelan and several new players. Good luck all for the 2022 season! (Written by Under 14’s hooker Toby Eller.)
Under 12s
A great performance from the Noosa Dolphins Under 12s, in a well-battled clash against Brothers, unfortunately falling short in the end, 19-17. After a quick try from the Brothers in the first half, the Dolphins hit back with Alex Bingham scoring their first try of the season. At half- time, the Dolphins led 10-7 with lots of momentum. In the second half, Brothers scored two tries with one conversion. Later in the second half, Brothers’ Jasper McRitchie charged over the line for a try. Brothers were ahead 19-10. With the game nearly over, the Noosa Dolphins U12s were in need of a try to grab a bonus point. Rising to the occasion, they executed one more try from Ash Eller, followed by Harrison Perkins converting the try to finish the match, 19-17. Players of the match went to Mack Cooper and Liam Stroem. Mack put in some outstanding runs and tackles, including some amazing set-ups in the backline. Liam pushed his way through tackles and was outstanding in defence. The Dolphin U12s will play the Saints in round three after next week’s bye. Better luck next time boys. (Written by under 12’s player Alex Bingham.)
Under 11s
In windy conditions, the Under 11s came up against a larger Caloundra side keen to work the ball up the middle through the forwards. Noosa did well to repel Caloundra’s assaults but found it hard when in possession in the tough conditions to move the ball out wide where they like to play. The game was a forwards battle with two tries apiece. Luke McCready and Matthew Brook scored our tries. The forwards were brave against the bigger pack, and the scrum held firm. Forwards of note were Cormac, Manus, Victor and Noah. The backs didn’t see much ball in the wet and windy conditions, but all tried hard, especially Harry and Will. Good work boys and thanks to the parents’ support again this season.
Under 10s
The large Under 10s group hasve formed two teams for 2022, the Fins and Reds. Both began with a strong showing in round one despite wild on-field weather, the transition to a full length pitch and new team dynamics. The Fins kicked off first on a soaked and windy University pitch against a quality Caloundra side. The new dynamics created some disjointed moments, however, the team pulled together and played well overall. Great defensive efforts from Noosa saw the Fins remain on the line for several phases to keep Caloundra scoreless in the second half. Max C, Marcus, Cameron, Harry and Riley were given space for some big runs, while try scorers for the match included Cameron, Harry and Lincoln.
In the other match, the Noosa Reds met up with a well-drilled Brothers outfit at Kawana in what was a tight contest in similarly trying conditions. The game saw our boys tackle well with some stand-out attacking phases from Max, Ryker and Kai. As a whole, there’s work to do at breakdown and structure, but with only one sub, the team worked solidly together. Great defence from James, Raf, Tom and Oscar, who was Player of the Match. Thanks to Chris who also pulled out a solid refereeing performance.
Under 9s
The Under 9 Dolphins fronted up to the Eumundi Dragons at Brothers. Tom got in early and set the scene for the Dolphins’ try-scoring bonanza. This one was followed by an amazing running ball steal to try by Ben with video footage to back up this feat of showmanship. While the Dolphins demonstrated a strong sense of white-line fever, they backed this up with their outstanding defence and a memorable tackle into touch by Eric in the second half. The team is showing good form and all the boys are stepping up when needed. The Dolphins under 9s proved much too powerful on the day and look forward to their next game against the Dragons.
Under 8s
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. After the initial disappointment of not playing on the big field, the kids got to business with some great running from Zach who left Harry with plenty of opportunities to take a few tries and Player Of the Match honours. They were followed closely behind with Henry doing the hard yards in tight, and Jenson Johnny and Harvey all displaying some great rugby. Hunter, Aston and Jack also put in fine efforts around the field.
Game two for 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 with the try of the day finished off by Stella. Meanwhile 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 with a mighty tackle on one of the Dragons. With some great pilfering, Hugo kept Eumundi back peddling. It was a great start for the Under 8s all round.
