The Ray White Noosa Dolphins have secured top of the table Minor Premiership honours with an astonishing 53-21 victory over ladder leaders University Barbarians at Sippy Downs last weekend. The match started as an evenly matched race until the 14th minute when Dolphins George Loose scored the first of eight Noosa tries. From that point, the Dolphins were clinical in all aspects the match, dominating the scrum and lineouts. “We have been steadily improving over the second part of the season having beaten the top two sides now in the past three matches, but we could not have envisioned a scoreline like that,” said assistant coach Mark Winder. “University, just like Caloundra who we put a similar scoreline on in our last encounter, are very good football sides and both will bounce back in the final’s series. We are not in any way complacent.”
The close to full strength Dolphin side showed a determined hard edge to their game with stiff defence and hard running led by flanker Drew Narby-Nimeti, Sonny Uaua, Albie Polu and captain Levi Shaw in his 50th appearance for the Dolphins. Orchestrating the affair was again Joey Caputo, named KB’s man of the match at number 10. Caputo put in an exceptional kicking game continually forcing the University side onto the back foot. “Joey was very good again today as was Ben Condon at half back. They were good though because of the outstanding forwards display, who to a man left nothing on the field,” said Winder.
The Ray White Dolphins went into the match having to defeat the Barbarians and restrict any bonus points to take the minor premiership. By half time, at 27-0, most observers quietly felt the team had achieved their goal, however in the back of their minds was last years grand final in which the Dolphins held a 29-0 half time lead only to secure just a three point victory following the University second half comeback. The victory has now secured a home Major Semi Final this Saturday where they again meet the University rivals in a repeat of last season. The winner of that match progresses directly to and hosts the Grand Final.
The Dolphins Reserve Grade secured second place despite their loss to University in their 23-13 match. Like the A Grade side, they now take on University in Saturdays Major Semi Final. Reon Fortington again was dominant in his KB’s man of the match performance supported by Joe Mort and Max Summerfield taking the two and one points respectively.
The Dolphins Friday Night team stood up again with a victory over Caboolture 59-27. The win has secured the Dolphins Friday team fourth place on the ladder and are semi final bound. Louis Griffen was once again best on ground taking out the KB’s Man of the Match award. The team face Nambour at Nambour on Friday night ion the knockout semi.
With the senior women having a bye, they now head into the finals series in third place and face a sudden death semifinal against Brothers at Maroochydore on Sunday.
“As a club we are very proud to have all senior teams into the final’s series,” said President Chris Burton. “Like all clubs, they have worked hard this year and deserve the opportunity that now presents. With great weather predicted for Saturday, we hope to see a big Noosa crowd in attendance at Sunshine Beach to help get our A and Reserve grade directly through to the grand final. A win on Saturday would secure a home grand final at the end of the month.”
Dolphins Matches this Weekend – Please note starting time changes:
Friday Night 8pm
• Noosa v Nambour at Nambour
Saturday at Sunshine Beach ($5 entry fee)
• 1.30pm Reserve Grade Noosa v University
• 3.30pm A Grade Noosa v University
Sunday at Maroochydore
• 11.30am Senior Women Noosa v Brothers
For all the up today information including team announcements, please go to Dolphins Facebook and Instagram pages.
