Young Dolphins step up to the plate

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Both under 9 and under 14 teams started strongly in their matches at Captain Oldrey Park, and while the under 9s were outpointed on the scoreboard, they gained the admiration of spectators and supporters of both teams.

“Our boys were quick out of the blocks with an impressive length of the field solo try by Darcy Rankin in the opening minutes,” manager Megan Remm said.

However, Grammar then stepped up in defence and the Dolphins found themselves in a hard-fought game. The boys worked well as a team, which proved fruitful with the two final tries by Darcy Rankin and Harry Young coming off strong offensive team plays.

“The boys proved themselves to be both competitive and good sports. This was emphasised by a Grammar supporter who praised both their sportsmanship and positive attitudes.”

In a genuine nail-biter, the under 14s survived a spirited final quarter of determined attack by their opponents, Wests, to secure another milestone in their improvement. This same team defeated the Dolphins comprehensively in a pre-season trial match at Hanging Rock and all the players knew that they had a challenge on their hands from the outset.

The scoring opened with a try by Justin Bellchambers, followed by some sustained pressure by Wests on the Dolphins line.

Matt Jenkin crossed again for the Dolphins after 25 minutes, to give the Dolphins a handy 10-nil lead at half-time. However, both teams knew that this would not be a winning margin, and Wests resumed after the break with predictable vigour and determination.

This effort resulted in a try just four minutes into the second stanza. Undeterred, the Dolphins replied with a strong run through Bellchambers on the right hand touch line which resulted in another try to the home team. With a successful conversion, which turned out to be the difference between the two sides, from wide out, the Dolphins extended the margin to 17-5.

Wests hit back immediately with some punishing runs by their backrowers which eventually led to another try despite some courageous and effective defence by the Dolphins, led by Joey Facchini.

With the scoreline at 17-10, the Dolphins repelled a wave of attacks from their opposition before the defence finally faltered to allow a last minute try near the corner post to bring the scoreline to 17-15 with a kick to come. The Wests kicker was unable to convert, leaving the Dolphins with a hard-earned win against quality opposition.

This weekends matches in round seven of the ACTJRU competition.

Under 9s v Vikings Red at Gowrie at 10.30am.

Under 11s v St Edmunds and St Edmunds at 10.30am.

Under 14s v St Edmunds and St Edmunds at 11.30am.