By JONATHON HOWARD
IT MAY have taken three years and a lot of pain and heartache, but the Noosa Dolphins have smashed through to claim a narrow win over University at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday 13 September.
The Dolphins held on throughout the close match and managed a 10-9 triumph to secure the SGQ Cup Premiership for only the second time in seven years.
The Dolphins A-grade side has been considered a coastal powerhouse having won the competition 15 times in the club’s history.
It was University up 6-0 early on after University winger Daniel Nethery converted a crucial field goal.
Despite an early fumble by Noosa centre Dave Harrold, who missed a penalty attempt, he regained composure and had reduced the margin to three before half time.
The intensity built after University’s Daniel Gibson dropped a high ball from Noosa and winger Nathaniel Forrest who was open for the try line but was pulled up for a knock on.
Nethery returned with a successful penalty kick to put University in a 9-3 half-time lead.
The pressure was mounting for Noosa, who crossed after half-time but was pulled back by the ref for a forward pass.
Minutes later Dolphins’ Keith Strajner crossed the line and a successful conversion gave Noosa a 10-9 lead.
The remainder of the game was a battle for the Dolphins to hold on, before the final siren sounded and Noosa emerged victors.
In reserve grade, Noosa Maroon defeated Noosa White 15-13.
Noosa Maroon finished the regular season as minor premier, with 10 wins and two losses.
The two sides had met in a major semi-final a fortnight earlier with Maroon winning that one 14-8.
Noosa Councillor Joe Jurisevic watched all the action from the sideline and said the Dolphins performed well across the board.
“All up, the Dolphins contested seven of the eight grand finals being played and won five,” Cr Jurizevic said.
“Quite a feat for any club. The senior club was also awarded the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union Club Championship with senior teams finishing first in 1st grade and 1st and 2nd in reserve grade.”
