Success on and off the field for the Ray White Noosa Dolphins last weekend in the match against second placed Caloundra. With the Wallabies in attendance prior to the first test against England in Perth this weekend, the Dolphin Womens, reserve grade and A grade all registered victories in front of a packed crowds. Kids in big numbers were treated to a chance of a lifetime undertaking clinics with the Wallaby under 20s team before being joined by the Senior National side who were generous in the time they spent signing autographs and having selfies taken for young and old alike. The visit was part of the Wallabies Community engagement acknowledging the work of the many volunteers involved in community rugby. Coach Dave Rennie and Captain Michael Hooper took time out to acknowledge some of the many valued volunteers at the Dolphins presenting Wallaby jerseys to Kieran Kearney, Barry Postle, Sharon Finzel, Tony Griffin, Tash Ramsden and Greg Bain in recognition of their contributions over many years.
On the field, the women delivered an impressive 38-5 victory in doing so leapfrogging the Lighthouses into second place on the table. Coach Damien Cogill pointed to the front foot ball delivered by the forwards led by player of the match Rhi Zanelli, Ashley Wark and Angela Collins. ‘The forwards definitely set the groundwork which allowed the outstanding centre combination of Kelly Dunlop and Tiger Livingstone the space needed to launch attacking raids’ coach Damien Cogill reflected.
Reserve grade secured third place in the ladder with a 42-0 victory over an understrength Caloundra. Coach Mark Winder was impressed with the defensive effort to keep the opposition scoreless. ‘Caloundra are extremely competitive in all areas, and whilst we need to keep the victory in perspective given the injuries they suffered, both our defence and attack were impressive’ Winder said. Leading 21-0 at half time, the Noosa side kept the pressure on to control the match. ‘We are up against the second placed Wynnum this weekend so it is important re maintain that focus if we are to challenge the top sides’ Winder said, identifying Michael Cutcliffe, Nat Forrest and Tom Moody and players of the day.
In the main game, the Ray White Dolphins were up against the second placed Caloundra team. Coach Matt Buckland pointed to his sides defensive effort again as the cornerstone for the 36-14 victory. ‘We were able to shut down the dangerous Caloundra attack keeping them pinned in their own half for long periods of time. That meant our continually improving attacking combinations could take advantage leading to some well crafted scoring opportunities’ Buckland said.
Whilst happy with the successive victories, Buckland is mindful of the danger posed by Wynnum at home in this weekends Indigenous Round. ‘Wynnum always put us to the test and even though we are ahead on the ladder, they are a danger side and a win is imperative if we want to move into third place before the final series start’.
This weekend sees the Dolphins at home against the Wynnum side in the inaugural Indigenous Round. The A Grade will be wearing a specially designed jersey reflecting the relationship between the Dolphin and the local Gubbi Gubbi people. Designer and local artist Shauna Hill wanted to portray that relationship in the jersey. For the full story and to view the jersey check out the Dolphins Facebook page.
