By Leo Wiles
EUMUNDI DRAGONS
The Dragons Junior Rugby Union team based in Eumundi is indeed fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate group of adults that make up the coaches and managers of the four teams who compete on a weekly basis in the Sunshine Coast Junior Rugby Union competition.
This group of volunteers give of their time to ensure all of the players at the club enjoy developing their skills in a safe and caring environment.
The teams can be seen training at the Eumundi Showgrounds every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, except during school holidays, from February to late August.
Matches are played from March to August on Saturday mornings at venues up and down the Sunshine Coast from Maleny to Caloundra to Noosa and all clubs in between.
All the Dragons staff are appropriately accredited and never seem to tire of bringing out the best in all the players in their respective teams.
Coaching and managing the Under 7 team is Luke Youd. Bryan Eaton and Alain Samarcq coach the Under 8 team with Dan and Margo Sparks managing the team.
The Under 10s are coached by Richard Boully and Dan McGhee with Megan Nurse as team manager. Coaches Barry Hocking and Dan Breen share the pleasure of coaching the Under 13 team with Ross Marks managing the team.
Club president Doug Toms said without these members of the club’s volunteer staff, the Eumundi Dragons would not be able to enjoy the high esteem that they are held within the Sunshine Coast Rugby community.
UNDER 7s
This week’s games were hosted by University, with a well prepared grounds offering plenty of pace for the young players. The Under 7s put on a great show with their first game against Maroochydore. It was a well fought game with young Ted running hard, tries to Eli, Charlie and Max. The youngest players Tristan and Zac put in the hard yards with some fantastic defensive playing. The real excitement was in the second game against Caloundra where the Dragons played their best game all season. It was a try bonanza with countless scoring opportunities. The highlight was definitely an improved and impenetrable defensive line that kept out the opposition and provided great watching for all spectators, young and old. Thanks to the family members for coming along and supporting the team and players.
UNDER 10s
An early start for the Eumundi Under 10s at Matthew Flinders against University. Some great on ground work by Eumundi late in the first half slowed the University advances causing some errors giving Eumundi plenty of scrums as the ground was a bit wet and pressure from the Eumundi players who kept the hard work up. In the second half – and with some encouragement from the coach – Eumundi kept grinding away and for her efforts Makiah Townsend was named player of the match for her hard work and support play and dogged determination in the middle. Simon Wyspianska received most improved player by showing his commitment all around the field. Although not a win, great team spirit was shown by everyone and thanks to University for their awesome sportsmanship.
Go The Dragons!
