Redcliffe Dolphins News

Two good wins by the Dolphins Colts and Wizard Cup sides last weekend has given them the right to first shot at their respective minor premiers North?s and Toowoomba. The winner of these two contests will enjoy the following weekend off before loading up for Grand Final day on September 16th.

The Colts outfit were impressive in their 46-16 win over East?s. After absorbing some early pressure from the Tigers the Dolphins gained the ascendency, going to half time 22 points to 8 in front. Coach Matt Wood will be most pleased with the sides focus after half time winning the second half 24-8. Sam Schull again lead the way with Matt Handcock, Logan Sullivan, Asher Elemani and Tim Yee all making a good account of themselves while custodian Phil Daisy has found some timely form.

This weekends game against North?s presents a great opportunity for the Dolphins to show case their ability against the competition favourites. The two previous games between the sides this season has seen the Devils run out comfortable winners on both occasions. However, funny things can happen at this time of year and the Dolphins gained enough from their last encounter with North?s to suggest they are well in the hunt for this years title. As is the case in any final it will be up to the side?s forwards to provide some space so the halves can create some opportunities for the likes of Matt Gillett, Michael Wilson and Andrew Rickertt. At the end of the day though it will be the side?s commitment to their defensive efforts that will have the biggest bearing on their destiny, a fact Coach Matt Wood will be making crystal clear during the week.

Last weeks Wizard Cup Qualifying Final between the Dolphins and Young Guns was like a heavyweight bout that doesn?t live up to expectations. Ball control was a rare commodity in the first half with both sides completion rate hovering around 60%. With one try each it was Greg Bourke?s successful conversion that separated the sides at half time with a 6-4 score line. The Dolphins second half ball control proved to be the difference completing 18 sets of the 20 received while the Young Guns went from bad to worse slipping below the 50% completion rate for the half. The score at fulltime saw the Dolphins victorious to the tune of 22-8 and their rugged defensive effort deserves credit and would have contributed to the reigning premier?s inability to retain possession. The Young Guns however would have been extremely disappointed with their performance. Dolphins Coach Anthony Griffin was pleased to leave Townsville with a victory however will realise the side will need to improve to be a chance against the Clydesdales today. The sides attack will be a focus for today?s preparation with Griffin looking for continuity from his halves and dummy half. Danny Burke was outstanding against the Young Guns and received solid support from Adam Starr, Greg Bourke and 3 try hero Ryan Cullen who had a stormer of game in front of his father who was watching from the stands. Mark Shipway also deserves a mention after a faultless display covering for the injured Nick Emmett in the centres, setting up a try and stopping some Young Guns attacking raids with typically rock solid defense.

This weeks game against the Clydesdales continues a history of the two combatants fighting out important games at this time of the year. The Clydesdales are sure to field a powerful outfit and it will require the Dolphins best efforts to secure the first vacancy in the QLD Wizard Cup Grand Final of 2006. There is still uncertainty over the availability of Nick Emmett and it will be left until as late as possible before the side is finalised.

THE Redcliffe Leagues Club is continuing its long-standing commitment to school rugby league on the Peninsula with the recent donation of a smart-looking set of jerseys for the Kippa-Ring State Primary School's open team. The team competes in the district competition at Dolphin Oval each year. Most schools on the Peninsula compete in what has become a most successful competition with a fair representation making it through to the Brisbane Metropolitan finals at Suncorp Stadium each August. In 2005, Scarborough Primary won the under 10s, Moreton Downs lifted the under 11 trophy and the opens title was won by Redcliffe District. This season Moreton Downs captured the under 10s crown along with the very proud rugby league school Scarborough winning the under 11 Metro final against Kruger State School from the Ipswich district in what was a great day at Suncorp Stadium. The sponsorship provided by the Leagues Club has been in place for close to 15 years, which is evident by the number of schools playing in a set of jumpers donated by the club. The sponsorship is essential to the running of the 12-week competition which provides more than 200 schoolchildren with the opportunity to play rugby league.

This weeks finals sides Queensland Wizard Cup Squad 1. Ryan Cullen 2. Chris Giumelli 3. Greg Bourke 4. Mark Shipway 5. Rory Bromley 6. Chris Fox 7. Marty Turner 8. Troy Lindsay (c) 9. Mick Roberts 10. Adam Starr 11. Grant Flugge 12. Danny Burke 13. Gerard Parle Interchange 14. Nick Walker 15. Shannon Fish 16. Danny Green 17. Pat Gardner 18. Nick Emmett 19. Kaine Manihera 20. Mitchell Simpson 21. Scott Gillis 22. Clint Frazer 23. Damian Jentz Coach Anthony Griffin

Colts 1. Phil Daisy 2. Andrew Rickertt 3. Matt Gillett 4. Michael Wilson 5. Jordan Brown 6. Tim Yee 7. Asher Elemani 8. David Hala 9. Tim Benson (c) 10. Sam Schull 11. Matt Handcock 12. Foisa Peni 13. Logan Sullivan Interchange 14. Adam Marr 15. Greg Malenstein 16. Jon Broad 17. Angus Cameron 18. Anthony Tonkin Coach Matt Wood