The Ray White Noosa Dolphins saved their best performance of the season for their final home match in front of a 1000 strong crowd, many celebrating the annual Back to Noosa Day.
Up against dominant ladder leaders Caloundra at Sunshine Beach, the Dolphins were clinical across the park in the 50-14 victory.
“Following our performance against University the week before, we knew we could not leak so many points as we did last week, 33, and expect to be considered premiership contenders,“ said coach Jim McKay.
“Today, the boys stood up and took that message on board, restricting the quality side to 14 points.”
Complementing the defence, respect for possession improved immensely for the Dolphins compared to recent weeks, allowing continued flow of free running football resulting in seven tires for the home side.
While maintaining 100 per cent feed/win rate, the Dolphins Scrum was put under pressure by the big Caloundra pack which includes former Wallaby and Brumbies second row Blake Enever. With the lineout improving from last week coinciding with the return of Harry Wright, the platform for quick ball feeding the backline provided the momentum.
Impressing in his finest performance in his two years at the club, flanker Billy Tait took out the KB’s man of the match honours. Tait’s aggression up front and speed in defence reached a new level for the Englishman. Number eight Tai Ford continued his improving season with several devastating runs taking out the two KB’s points and the ever reliable and calm Joey Caputo at number 10, taking the one point.
The Back to Noosa Day started with the Dolphins reserves continuing their quality season in their 27-13 victory over ladder leaders Caloundra edging closer to the number one spot on the ladder, now just three points adrift. In a strong display following a month’s absence through injury, number ten Callum Hall took out the KB’s man of the match award, closely followed the ever-impressive Reon Fortington and Remi Livingston taking two and one point respectively.
The Ray White Dolphins Friday Night Team continued their winning form when they took on perennial Friday Night favourites Nambour taking the match 18-14, moving them to fourth on the table.
“We have come a long way this season from matches where we couldn’t field a team to consecutive wins and possible semifinals contention,“ said coach Brad Torta.
“The spirit is high amongst the team and there is no doubt the availability of a number of former Noosa Juniors in recent weeks has contributed to that.”
Impressing on Friday were KB’s man of the match Cas Van Vleit with Oscar Batty and Louis Griffen again in the points with two and one points respectively.
This Saturday see’s the Dolphins head to Caboolture in another must win across all matches to retain positions near the top of the table. Most importantly, the Dolphin Womens team returns after a two-week layoff when they take on the ladder leading Snakes. “The girls currently sit third just three points away from Caboolture with Nambour in between,“ said coach Damien Cogill. “We have had a good win against Nambour in the last match, so this is another step up for us.“
Matches this Weekend:
Friday Night v Brothers at Kawana 8pm
Saturday at Caboolture:
• Womens 12.30pm.
• Reserve Grade 2pm.
• A Grade 3.30pm.
For all up to date information, including team announcements, check out the Dolphins Facebook and Instagram pages.
Photos courtesy of Alfie Hill Photography.
