The Ray White Noosa Dolphins rose above their own ill-discipline, including 6 penalties given away when in possession and a very calm and disciplined Maroochydore side to take Saturdays match and the John Currey Shield in a nail biting 26-23 win.
The Dolphins got away to a flyer with a clinical exit from their own half kick and chase, forcing a penalty and turn over. The quick thinking of prop Pala Mailangi took a quick tap to barge over the Swans line. That was one of the very few positive plays by the Dolphins until the 70th minute though according to assistant coach Geno Costin. ‘There was a litany of mistakes by us and the flow on is the inability to build pressure on the opposition. That Maroochydore side was the complete opposite, managing their game, slowly building scoreboard pressure at 23-11’ Costin opined. ‘Given we won the match, it may seem odd to say, but we must be better if we want to take the ultimate prize at seasons end. We looked flat at time during that game, and you wont aways get away with that.’
The loss of the returning half back Will Christie with an ankle injury late on the second half sent a shockwave through the Dolphins, with Ben Condon already sidelined for the season. Enter 19-year-old Will Miller in his first A grade appearance, putting in a performance that belied his inexperience. Pinpoint passing and courage in defence impressed the coaching staff with his inclusion in the player points. Joining Miller was the introduction of Josh Munro and Ben Rogers returning from injury, along with Matt Kelly, into the match.
The Dolphins lifted with the fresh legs on the field as they faced the two try deficit, with the first coming soon after. With five minutes left on the clock and behind on the scoreboard, the Dolphins finally clicked, with a controlled march downfield on the back of dynamic runs by Jock Hansson and captain Levi Shaw, in his best performance of the year. Off the back of some good lead up work, lock Billy Tait sowed his strength and determination, carrying several opposition players as he crossed the line to score, converted by Ross Magnus, taking the Dolphins to an unlikely lead. With two minutes to play, the Ray White Dolphins had to withstand the attacking onslaught of the Swans and it was a Matt Kelly steal at the breakdown that allowed the Dolphins to control the final minute and take the victory.
KB’s Player of the Match went to Levi Shaw with his lock partner Billy Tait taking 2 points and debutant Will Miller 1. The win leaves the Dolphins second on the ladder two points behind University.
The A Grade was not the only heart stropper with the Ray White Reserve Grade side winning with seconds to go in the earlier match 25-24. In a match described by coach Rocco Perugino and the literal Game of Two Halves, the Dolphins executed the match plan in the first half to perfection, ball control, kicking for field position and patience in defence and attack. The plan worked with the Dolphins going to the break with a dominant 18-3 scoreline. ‘Not sure if there was something in the water, but in the second half we did the opposite’ Perugini said. ‘Poor discipline on our part handed 9 penalties to Maroochydore in the first 15 minutes of that second half gifting them a 24-18 lead’. With match seemingly out of reach, the Dolphins were awarded their sole second half penalty and the players dug deep to take advantage. Ball control returned and the Dolphins were able gain field position. With 30 seconds left, lock Goerge Noble picked up the loose ball from the ruck diving over to score and level that match at 23 all. With the full-time siren in the background, captain Reon Fortington steered over the winning conversion. KB’s Player of the Match went to Jake Serex with Matt Kelly 2 points and Josh Munro 1. The win secured top spot on the ladder.
The Dolphins are away at Caloundra this weekend.
