Season ’25 officially kicked off at Dolphin Oval on Anzac Day, with all Junior and Senior grades competing on the day. It was a fitting and respectful acknowledgement of our Australian and New Zealand veterans. A moving tribute by Noosa President Chris Burton prior to A grade was followed by the Ode, the Last Post and the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems.
The day provided highlights throughout, with both fields hosting matches until all converged on Dolphin Oval for the A grade clash with Brothers. The Dolphin’s 3rd Grade took to the field after a 12 month hiatus boasting a true mix of the old and the new. Players representing Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z, Gen AEIOU and even a couple of Baby Boomers took the field. A highlight was the appearance of Tom Harmer for his first game of senior rugby. Tom, the son of club stalwart, some would say legend, Krissy Harmer showed no sign of nerves. In fact, the young centre teamed up with club veteran Dlhite Forrest to put on one of the tries of the season. Player of the match to Forrest.
In another welcome return, the Noosa Ladies, the Phinettes, also returned to the competition. In a preview of what is to come under the coaching of Damien Ovadahill, the final score of 5-5 belied the attaching talent which is in the squad. It is understood that co-coach Laurence Epstein will introduce a new game plan next week, the pass, which should open the floodgates. Player of the match to Savannah Leroux.
In an entertaining affair, the Reggies match had it all. The final scoreline of 21-19 was a real indication of the effort by both teams. A free flowing first half morphed into a battle of attrition in the second with solid defense from both teams. Coach Kalfie Shaphill was happy with the effort from his troops. Player of the Match, Drew Narbey-Nimeti said.
The A grade clash was always going to be a humdinger, there had not been more than three points separating the two teams in their last five clashes. In the week leading in Coach Jim McKay had some tough decisions in the selection room, white or blue cones? Green or yellow bibs? Whatever the decision in the end, it reaped dividends on the field. On more than one occasion the Dolphins A’s appeared set to issue the last rites only to have Brothers bounce back repeatedly. The recall of club legend Ben Walker at fullback was a masterstroke. Walker’s deft touches and positional play was on song, picking up from where he left off in 2014. Mind you he appeared a smidge swifter, tackled much more effectively and was strangely economical in his commentary. The final score of 26-18 was a fair indication of the encounter, with the tactic of using the boot of no.10 Joey Caputo to continually apply scoreboard pressure proving the difference. Player of the Match, the flying Julian “like a bird” Scott-Davies.
The Dolphins face traditional foe Maroochydore on Saturday with the Swans fresh off a victory over Caboolture. Women at 12.30pm, Reggies 1.50pm and A grade 3.30pm. Supporters are asked to dust off those passports and cross the bridge with the teams in what shapes as a bumper day of rugby.
