Jerry Lewis
In front of a big Back to Noosa crowd, the Ray White Noosa Dolphins took another step in the tight struggle to secure a top four spot in the 2024 A Grade Sunshine Coast Rugby Union Premiership. As the 32-27 result suggests, the victory against Wynnum was not without its drama, the score changing many times during the match, but the local side not able to comfortably shake the opposition at any stage.
With five tries a piece, again, it was the kickers that proved the difference on the scoreboard, Noosa’s Joey Caputo with three conversions and two penalty goals taking the honours over his Wynnum counterpart’s two conversions and a single penalty goal. The Dolphins showed a mixed bag on the field with free flowing quality football followed by lapses in defence and unforced errors and this must be a concern for the coaching staff so close to the finals and knowing that any loss by the top four teams could result in them dropping out of the top four. Recent high standard of the Dolphins lineout was missing and the dominance of the home sides scrum was also nullified, not only by the big Wynnum pack, but the 9 scrum feeds given to the opposition following Dolphin errors.
The Ray White Dolphins currently retain top spot and face second placed University at Sippy Downs this Saturday, who have a game in hand over the Noosa side meaning a Dolphins victory is required to retain any chance of finishing top of the table securing the home ground Semi Final advantage in doing so. A loss, along with other results of the weekend could mean a ladder freefall as is the quality of the teams in the 2024 competition. Adding to the drama is that all other teams in the top four have an additional match in hand in which to gain points due to the Dolphins bye in the final round of the competition for which no points are awarded.
Dolphins Prop Pala Mailangi was awarded the KBs Player of the Match for the second week running and was ably supported by Gideon Kautai and the ever-present Kai Atkinson.
The Ray White Reserve Grade side put on a display of running rugby before the Old Boys running away with a 57-24 victory.
For all the up to date information including team announcements, and Noosa Long Luch details check out the Noosa Dolphins Facebook and Instagram pages.
