Pressure continues to build on the Ray White Noosa Dolphins following another loss in both A Grade and Reserve Grade against Caloundra last weekend. An inability to build and maintain pressure through patience and control leading to poor attacking decisions and defensive lapses appears at the core of the recent performances, and having no rugby in the past three weeks has not helped. Whilst there is no doubt the Dolphins have the talent on the field to be pressuring the top of the ladder, coaching staff must be concerned the team cannot at this stage put complete matches together.
“We have not been playing well enough that is obvious to anyone watching,” said coach Jim McKay. “It’s is up to us, the coaches and the players to work that out and we know we can. The talent across all grades is the best for some years, we now need to gel. We have several new players at the club this year and settling those combinations is key.”
The need to dig in and grind out the tough periods has been lacking according to several senior players, who in the same breath acknowledge it is up to the players to reset as they head towards the end of round one. Despite the 25-9 loss, the Dolphins set piece line out and scrum continues to impress giving confidence that better results can be achieved.
Whilst the senior men’s sides have at times disappointed, it is the Dolphins Women’s side that continue to own the field with another big victory against Caloundra. Taking out the match 46-7, the women have amassed an incredible 223 points for and 43 against in the five matches to date. This weekend provides a big challenge to the women though when they take on a Caboolture side that sits one point ahead of them on the table. A victory would move the women to second place behind Nambour.
The Friday Night Cup Team also chalked up an impressive 52-0 victory over Caloundra.
KB’s Players of the Match in round 6 were A Grade Harry Wright, Res Grade Harry O’Connor, Women’s Pearl Enright and Friday Night Cup Remmy Livingston.
Home matches this weekend will be welcomed by players and supporters alike commencing Friday night when the Dolphins take on ladder leaders Nambour. Saturday has Womens, Reserve Grade and A Grade all taking on Caboolture. For the men’s teams, victories are paramount if they are to keep close enough to teams ahead on the ladder to mount a resurgence in round 2. For the women, victory will send them to clear second on the ladder.
Exciting news off the field with long time Dolphin volunteers Kieran and Maree Kearney receiving Queensland Day Volunteer Awards in recognition for their ongoing dedication to the Dolphins. Very well deserved.
This weekend’s matches at Sunshine Breach:
Friday night 7.30pm
Saturday Womens 12.30pm, Reserve Grade 2pm and A Grade 3.30pm.
For all up to date team information check out the Noosa Dolphins Facebook and Instagram.
