The Ray White Noosa Dolphins A Grade premiership title defence hit a hurdle last Saturday with a 22-19 loss to Maroochydore Swans.
On the back of unforced errors and ill discipline resulting in a heavy penalty count, the Dolphins gifted possession and were unable to complete numerous attacking raids against the well drilled and patient opposition.
Whilst it was a sole penalty conversion that separated the two sides in the end, with three tries apiece, it was a match that the Dolphins lost across the park with set pieces not at the standard the team would expect.
Whilst very disappointed in the performance, coach Jim McKay saw some positives in the result, primarily the lessons to be learnt by his Noosa side.
“We had enough ball, and we have the talent, but we cannot compete when we make so many unforced errors. There are lessons for the boys to learn in such a defeat, so that is what we now need to focus on and set in motion strategies to improve,” McKay said.
Despite the loss, the performance of man of the match Ben Walker at fullback was impressive showing speed and evasiveness throughout the match.
The scoreboard was not only a concern for the Dolphins with injuries to key players hooker Josh Roe, captain Levi Shaw and centre Albie Polu. With a home match against Wynnum this Saturday afternoon, the medical staff will be hard pressed to get these men on the paddock, however the performance of the reserve grade side in their 22-7 victory will ensure inform replacements if needed. Kye Atkinson in his return match was strong earning man of the match points ably supported by Reon Fortington and Benji Hewitt.
The Ray White Dolphins Senior Womens side put on the most impressive display of the day in their resounding 64-0 shutout of the Maroochydore opposition. Back on the field this year following last years absence, the women put on an attacking display reminiscent of past glory days with coach Lawrence Epstein full of praise for his charges.
“We are rebuilding girls and women’s rugby at the Dolphins and it is great to see how they are progressing this year with the mix of the experience of Tess Evans, Steivy Te Moana and Tiger Livingston alongside players such as Sarena Manson playing in her first match,” Epstein said. “Womens Rugby is such a growing sport, and we really want to see more girls get involved, so please, if you’re interested come along and have a look.”
Player of the match honours went to Immy McLeod, with Sarena Mansson, Tiger Livingston and Cella Bonetti close behind.
The Friday night competition was a mixed bag for the Noosa men’s team when they travelled to Maroochydore understrength forcing a forfeit. However, in a scratch 10 aside match, the Noosa men were impressive with an 8 try to 3 performance with Max Huyton, Jace Raison and Callum Phillips impressing. New and former players looking for a ‘serious social’ competition provided in the Friday Night comp, should contact the club for details.
Rugby returns to Sunshine Beach this Saturday in matches against Wynnum in all grades with Women kicking off at 12.30, reserve grade 2pm and A Grade 3.30.
