The Ray White Noosa Dolphins return to Sunshine Beach this Saturday for their final home round match and what is a crucial match in determining the final semi final standings. The Dolphins also host their annual Back to Noosa Day, where all past players and supporters are celebrated.
“This year being our 40th year, sees us recognise all players and supporters from the past 40 years, but we highlight the 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015 sides. This year is special in that our inaugural team from 1985 is one of those we showcase in the lead up to the day,“ president Chris Burton said.
“The last few years we have seen big numbers turn out, faces that have not been back to the club for many years, or those who only get back to town for this once a year celebration.“
The match promises to be tough affair with the Dolphins A grade taking on ladder leaders Caloundra. With only nine points separating the two teams, a victory is vital to keep the hopes of playing in the major semi final, the winners of which hosts the Grand Final. “We are currently sitting third on the ladder, eight points behind University on second, so it is simple, we need to win our remaining three matches, Caloundra, University and Caboolture to put ourselves in the picture,“ manager Mark Martin said. “Of course, other results will have an impact, but we can only control our games.“
Last weekends four point loss to University 32-28, was not only disappointing from a ladder perspective, but unforced errors and lack of discipline at crucial times, squandering try scoring opportunities. On at least four occasions, with the dolphins in possession and withing ten meters of the try line, poor ball control or ill-discipline resulting in giving away penalties ended the attacking raids. Despite the Dolphins performance in lineouts and scrums not being up to their usual high standards, the team for most part matched or bettered their opposition, especially in the forwards, but errors became their downfall.
Key positive for the match was the continued performance of centre Albie Polu. The big centres speed and agility was on display with numerous tackle busting runs earning him the KB’s Player of the Match alongside Joey Caputo.
With the Women’s team having a bye, the other Saturday match saw the Reserves also fall short in their 22-15 loss to University. Despite the loss, the Dolphin Reserves retain second place behind Caloundra. Reon Fortington again was a standout winning KB’s Player of the Match award with Remy Livingstone and Kip Comrie two and three points respectively.
The Friday Night Dolphins were the exception on the scoreboard with a strong 35-5 win over Caloundra. The team was again beneficiaries of the younger Dolphins being available for the match, Louis Griffen taking out the KB’s Player of the Match, Jacob Jenkins two points and Chennar Marks again impressing taking the one point.
Join the Dolphins at their Back to Noosa match this Saturday at Sunshine Beach.
Friday at 7.30pm: Noosa v Nambour
Saturday: Noosa v Caloundra – Reserve Grade 2pm, A Grade 3.30pm, Women Bye
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