Rugby returns to Sunshine Beach on Saturday in one of the most anticipated and highly regarded matches of the season. The Ray White Noosa Dolphins take on perennial rival Maroochydore Swans in the 18th annual John Currey Shield, a match that allows both clubs to remember former Maroochydore Captain John Currey who passed away in 2007. John, or “JC” as he was affectionately known and remembered, was a long time Swan and A Grade Captain in the era of the Noosa/Maroochydore dominance during the late 80’s and 1990’s, competing in 12 Grand Finals against Noosa. Such was the regard JC was held across the rugby community, it was Noosa who suggested the annual shield match in his honour.
The Dolphins have won the Shield on 11 occasions and are the current Shield holders.
The Ray White Dolphins go into the match against the Swans off the back of an impressive performance against Brothers last weekend. After some disappointing performances, the 38-17 win was built on resilience in defence and some classy backline moves. Whilst very happy with the efforts, especially the grind shown in defence, the coaching staff will need to focus on the unforced errors in attack that permeated the otherwise quality performance. Number 8 Matt Kelly in his second run on game for the season again impressed in his KB’s man of the match performance. The skilful but enigmatic Kelly has found some rare form mid-season and now applying pressure for a permanent run on spot. Others to impress and receive KB’s player points were prop Sonny Uaua and half back Ben Condon in his return match following a lengthy stretch on the sideline with a foot injury. Centre George Loose could be considered unlucky to miss points with a solid game showcasing his speed, elusiveness and running lines setting up a number of try scoring opportunities.
Whilst the victory was not only needed, and produced more of what the team has been promising, it was a match that saw several concerning injuries. Half back Will Christie is now in doubt for the remainder of the season following a dislocated elbow and bone fractures sustained in an illegal tackle. Flanker Billy Tait left the field with a leg injury, hooker Harry O’Connor with an eye injury along with winger Benji Hewitt suffering a shoulder injury. Having lost Ben Ashman for the season and the long-term injuries to Josh Munro, Josh Roe and Jamie O’Driscoll, it’s now a case of next man up for the Dolphins.
The opportunity now presents itself for some of the high performing reserve grade players to break into the A Grade squad and the recent performances of the reserves continued against Brothers in their 46-33 victory. Having controlled most of the match, the Dolphins did allow Brothers to improve their side of the score board with two late converted tries. Second row Remi Livingston continues to demonstrate his skills taking out the KB’s man of the match closely followed by centre Kip Comrie and consistent Drew Narby-Nimeti.
The Dolphins women’s side came back to earth after their recent high scoring matches in their 5-5 draw against Brothers. In a tight fought match, the Dolphins missed a number of crucial opportunities in the first half putting themselves under pressure in the greasy conditions. It was a second half try by Tiger Livingston that put on first points but long periods of attack by Brothers led to the equaliser. KB’s player of the day award went to Sophie McPherson, followed by Shelby Beardmore, Pearl Enright and Liv Waldron.
The Dolphins Friday Night team joined the winners circle in their 29-20 victory against Maroochydore with the help of many returning Noosa Juniors including Tom Harmer, Nick Auckland, Louie Griffin and Chennar Marks. Man of the match honours went to Nick Auckland closely followed by Cam Jolly and Lachie Egeskov.
Matches this weekend:
• Friday Night v Gympie at Gympie 7.30pm
Saturday at Sunshine Beach
• A Grade 3.30pm
• Res Grade 2pm
• Womens 12.30pm
For team announcements, and all the up to date news, check out the Dolphins Facebook and Instagram pages.
