Dolphins in their element

DESPITE grey skies on the drive up, the Noosa Dolphins arrived at Witta for the game against St Andrew’s and the sun was shining – hooray!
A great run from Phoenix set the tone of the day and got points on the board for the Fins. George then executed two great tries, making sure he found the mud on both occasions.
Rory made a number of excellent runs, ending in a fantastic try as well as being deadly in defence. Campbell assisted with an awesome kick and a number of good runs down the wing.
Charlie and Harry used their speed to run down the St Andrew’s players with some excellent defence and both got on the score board in the second half.
Gus top-scored with three great tries and made a number of good runs for the team.
Phoenix snatched man-of-the-match honours with another fantastic run, ball tucked under his arm, to score his second try in the second half.
It was a great team effort with lots of passing practice against a good opposition and most importantly smiles all round – mud, sunshine, mates and more mud, what more could a boy ask for?
U7 Fins 11 drew St Andrew’s.
Travelling south to the Down Town Clowns, the Reds faced the might of Grammar Green. From the beginning we all knew this was going to be tough.
From the outset, both teams tackled each other into submission. Harassment for the ball came from both sides. Brave hit-ups were taken by Thomas, Hamish, Harry and Charlie on to be smothered and felled like giant trees as Grammar sought to stop the Red Machine.
Defence of the try line was premium and the Reds gave nothing away.
Time and time again the Grammar boys sought to push over for a try only to be held back by Olli, Will and Clay. Jamie’s desperation was on display as held on to his tackles like his mortgage was dependant on it.
Brandon attempted to cut up the Grammar defence and ran into several brick walls. Oscar, too, tried to break the stalemate only to succumb to half of the Grammar team bringing their weight to bear.
Beautiful lay-off ball came from all players and with special mention to Harry and Charlie who played well under pressure. Atticus sought to tackle the opposition into the ground and inspired the rest of the team to commit to tackles that are improving all the time.
Clancy arrived late from his media commitments and brought renewed energy to the team.
Under-8 Noosa Red v Grammar Green.
Best: Jamie.
We came, we saw, we played as a team, we conquered. Captain Zac, chest out, gallantly led the Fins army onto the field. More like a general his to command, Zac had the team composed in defence and attacked immediately from the kick off.
Determination in the ruck allowed Louie to make a flashing run from the defending half to open the scoring minutes into the game. The first of his three tries.
A strong running Hunter chimed in soon after with an almost identical arcing run from the defending half, shrugging off several defenders before valiantly crossing the line. A fantastic performance by all, awesome teamwork to achieve a deserving win.
Under-9 Fins 35 d SC Grammar 30.
Best: Finn.
Caloundra brought their A game to the table in a spirited encounter. Tries were scored by Ash and Leif, with Josh converting a goal.
Caloundra 22 d Under-10 Red 12.
Best: Fletcher Fairbanks.
What a game. Two heavyweights of the competition came head to head in a classic battle. Noosa had the early ascendency only for St Andrew’s to fight back and lead 14-5 at half time.
The second half was a spectacle of brilliant rugby with St Andrew’s trying to cling on and Noosa determined to finish over the top, which they duly did.
Our forwards were magnificent. Neither team deserved to lose and as a Noosa parent, hats off to the manner and spirit shown by St Andrew’s players and coaching staff, they are a credit to their club and school.
Try scorers were Joey, Joel, Matt and Dan (all forwards). Kye and Hunter both landed conversions.
Under-10 Fins 24 d St Andrew’s 14.
Best: Joel Broderick.
Noosa had the superior possession and territory against a tough opponent but didn’t seal the win until the last play of this tense match. With a minute to go it looked like Grammar had stolen it with a converted try, only for Noosa to make one final rally, complete several unstoppable phases and score in the corner.
Under-11 Noosa Fins 15 d Grammar 12.
Try scorers: Josh Whitehill, James Gelling, Soren Manssen.
Best: James Gelling.