A high-quality performance by the Ray White Noosa Dolphins in the A grade match against perennial foes Maroochydore has the seen Dolphins move into second place of the premiership ladder. The 58 – 22 victory in the annual John Currey Shield match was by far the most complete performance by the local side this year.
Despite the absence of prop Sonny Uaua away on Southeast Queensland representative duties with, Will Christie and Benji Hewitt both out for the the remainer of the season, the first half was a clinical display of attacking rugby.
Outside centre George Loose put on three tries in the first quarter of the match and was again in the points with a second half try. Loose displayed speed and evasiveness that tormented the Swans outside backs.
Despite the performance of Loose, it was his inside centre counterpart Albie Polu, in his comeback A Grade Match following injury, who took the eye of coaching staff in taking out the KB’s Man of the Match award.
A string of dominant runs by the big man provided his outside backs the space and front foot opportunities.
“The coaching team was so happy to see the skills that we have known exist in this playing group come together,” assistant coach Mark Winder said.
“In a memorial match like this, we knew that more than ever, Maroochydore would never lay down, they never do, but our boys stepped up from where we have been both in attach and defence. We saw the forwards do the initial hard work which gave the back line space and momentum to do what they can do.”
In a match where there were no poor performances, others to impress were lock Harry Wright with two points in the KB’s awards and prop Julian Scott Davies one point. George Loose, Matt Kelly and Tai Ford all could have justifiably taken the honours.
The Dolphins Reserve Grade continued in their winning form with a solid 31-14 victory over their Maroochydore opponents.
In a season where he keeps impressing, Reon Fortington was again named KB’s Player of the match with Remy Livingston and half Will Mappin taking the two and one point respectively.
The win sees the Reserves team second on the ladder, four points behind Caloundra.
In a gusty effort the Dolphins Friday Night Comp team went down to Gympie at Gympie 19-10. The Dolphins were depleted in numbers again with 13 players up against a full-strength Hammers team. KB’s Players awards went to Jey Holt 3, Nick Auckland 2 and Can Van Vliet 1.
It was a problematic weekend for the Dolphin Women who were unable to field the required minimum of 14 players to play their match.
With six girls unavailable due to representative duties in the Southeast Queensland side in Townsville, along with recent injuries, it was just too much of a task to make the field. Despite the outcome, the Dolphin Women sit third on the ladder just four points from the first placed Caboolture.
This weekend sees the Ray White Dolphins travel to Wynnum in a match that is inevitably very difficult at the home of the Bugs.
Whilst Wynnum sit sixth on the table, they inevitably prove to be hard to beat at home. The match is one the Dolphins must win to advance closer to ladder leaders Caloundra six points clear, and to keep at bay University sitting just one point behind the Dolphins.
Matches at Wynnum
• Women 12.30pm
• Reserve Grade 2pm
• A Grade 3.30pm
For those unable to travel, A Grade match will be live streamed on www.youtube.com/@SunshineCoastRugby
For all up to date team selectins and news, check out the Noosa Rugby Union Club Facebook and Instagram sites.
