Friday night saw us travel to Palm Beach again to play their maroon team With a player down we were able to borrow one from the lions which made it an even 11 on 11.
We started a tad slow and palm beach capitalised sneaking home a few early goals. We improved as we went along scoring a number of goals and behinds. Georgia ran on to a ball and slotted a major before Lily H used her height to bring down a mark and then goal.
Chance kicked 3 second half goals and with trinity’s and Lilly young’s 4 quarter hardness we outscored palm beach 21-1 in the last quarter. An amazing effort girls and it was great to see an all team effort with many players hitting the scoreboard.
Round 5 saw the girls head away to play the cross river rivals in Coolangatta Blues. It was tough conditions with a very cold night and an extreme cross ground wind which kept the ball essentially to one side of the ground.
The girls fought hard all night and for the most part it was a very even contest in the midfield, however we just couldn’t seem to get the result of all our hard work on the scoreboard with the ball getting trapped in the pockets on one side.
Coolangatta with the home ground advantage seemed to adjust a little better to the conditions and was able to keep it out of the pockets a little better to get it through the sticks.
Evie Wallace was awarded player of the match with growing confidence each week she plays, she was able to get in under the packs on numerous occasions and take the ball from inside to out with some leg drive and get the ball off with a handball or kick and even hit the scoreboard.
This week we are back on our home deck Friday night 6pm against the Palm Beach Currumbin Lions gold side so make sure to come down and show your support!
Sunday morning was one of those postcard days of picturesque winter footy. Blue sky, light wind and champagne football on show provided in abundance by the Kingy Reds!
After 17 glowing smiles (including Coach James) ran through the banners with cheering families and friends we met with the Murwillumbah Volcans. It was fantastic to come up against a side with equal numbers to us which meant the dreaded “can you play a quarter for the other team?” question got to stay firmly in our pocket.
From the opening bounce, it was clear that what we have been practicing at training had transpired to the field! Players displaying a hunger to be first to the ball whilst others around moving into space to provide options to share the ball around and inevitably move up the field towards the goal posts.
Zac, Sonny and Oscar started in the middle and were relentless on the ball whilst Liam and Sully sent towering clearances up to the forward line. The midfield in the opening quarter really was a delight to watch for the coaches and a set a high-level confidence in the kids right off the start line!
With the forward line being provided some silky deliveries from the midfield it was fantastic to see one of our newest players Rish displaying his speed and agility right alongside arguably our fastest player Jobe. These two would have been a nightmare to mark for the defence as in every contest they seemed to be 10 steps in front of everyone! Joey, Sol and Ox were applying plenty of pressure as well with some lovely finishes and big tackles in the forward third. Again, a delight to see!
As the game progressed it appeared to be an even matching although the skills, communication and confidence in the boys had it slightly tipped in our favour. In all quarters regardless of where the kids played, they all did their jobs to probably the highest level we have seen this year. We do seem to be saying that most weeks now which is fantastic. Matty had some fantastic handballs and critical tackles! Archie, James, Michael and Nate were deadly in the air in both attack and defence with Benj really laying down some big tackles and solid clearances.
Looking back after the final siren it was just a delight to see that the boys must be listening at training (hard to tell sometimes)… We focus on working as a team, spreading out, sharing the ball and succeeding as a group. We had a few passages of play which started in the rock-solid defence line, moved seamlessly through the midfield and onto the forwards for a Dolphins goal. Seeing the boys not only show praise to the eventual goal scorer but seeing the whole team proud and celebrating as a collective is just the ultimate outcome for us as coaches and parents!
Players of the week went to Joey and Rishi who both played fantastic games in every aspect and were very deserving of the Award!
We are really pushing with the kids the Fun, Effort and Respect to be displayed at the first three priorities. The kids always seem to have fun and put in a fair old effort, but the respect part is really coming along in leaps and bounds. Respecting ourselves, our teammates, and the opposition. Its so good to see them take this onboard and become better people for it!
See you next Sunday in Byron to do it all again!
Fins Up!
Local Derby time! The mighty 11 Reds went toe to toe against the U11 Kingy Blues at home this week.
We started the day with a really great session in the changerooms with both teams arm in arm getting a primer from the coaches. We went into the game knowing that there is a significant age difference between the two teams and we addressed this with the boys and made sure that everyone plays in the true Dolphins spirit. The parent's guard of honor was fantastic and both teams went into the game with smiles on their faces.
We started the match well but the blues were very dour in defence and kept us to just a few goals. At quarter time a switch in the midfield unlocked some better ball movement and we really started to gain some ascendancy.
At half time we moved a few players across to the blues to ensure an even contest. The blues responded well to some additional firepower and piled on some goals. This was a great lesson for our boys, two way running is a requirement in football and as soon as we stopped doing that we were exposed by the Kingy Blues. After a Ron Barassi style pep talk at 3/4 time, the boys returned to form in the last quarter to finish the game strong. Huge effort from the Reds and Blues and the future of the Kingy Dolphins is looking impressive.
Benny was our player of the week. He tries so hard every week and provides great options in attack all the time. He got on the end of a few nice chains and we all love watching Benny celebrate a snag!
Our effort award went to Kai. Kai has been playing for a number of years now and in the last few weeks we've noticed a real change in attitude and commitment to the team plan. As coaches this is exactly what we ask for and we're really thrilled to see Kai get on the end of the footy more and more each week.
We've got Friday night footy coming up in Round 6 in what we think will be our toughest game of the year. Come down and watch at Tweed Coast home ground at 7:30pm... it's going to be a cracker.
Go Reds!
Jono, Ben and Mick
Tensions were running high at Merv Edwards Field on Sunday as the Kingscliff U11 Blue prepared for the showdown of the ages. The Blues locked horns with their fierce rivals, the Kingscliff U11 Red, in the highly anticipated home derby. With excitement buzzing in the air, the younger U11 Blue squad found themselves facing an uphill battle against the size and skill of their Red counterparts early on. By halftime, the score had ballooned to a considerable margin, but that didn't dampen the spirits of our determined Blue team.
During the halftime break, the crafty coaches decided to shake things up and swapped a few players around, injecting fresh energy into the game. This move leveled the playing field and set the stage for an exhilarating second half. End-to-end action ensued, showcasing a brilliant display of skill from both teams and highlighting the incredible depth and strength of our club.
We can't overlook the standout performances that earned our Players of the Match accolades. Chance stole the spotlight with her impressive goal-kicking prowess, netting an incredible three goals and consistently making her presence felt on the field. Archie K, on the other hand, proved that age is just a number as he fearlessly took on the older kids and emerged victorious in countless battles against his opponents.
A massive shoutout goes to the U11 Blue parents who took charge of the BBQ for the day. Their hard work and dedication ensured that everyone's hunger was satisfied. A heartfelt thanks goes to all the helpers who made this day possible - Kim, Bec, Stacey, Mel P, Paul, Eden, and Lauren. Your support and contribution behind the scenes are invaluable.
Let's not forget the Sinclairs for providing the team with refreshing oranges, and a special mention to Mel W for her assistance with First Aid duties. Also, a huge thank you to Gus and Mick for stepping up as goal umpires.
Mark your calendars because the excitement doesn't end there! The U11 Blue team is ready to shine under the Friday night lights as they go head-to-head against the Tweed Coast Tigers Yellow in our next game.
Go Dolphins!
Round 6 we were back Home vs Lismore.
The Dolphins started brightly with Indigo in the thick of it from the outset.
The midfield started to get on top as Junah got plenty of it and Jed was in there getting after the opposition applying plenty of pressure.
Georgia continually put her body on the line and Alfie got clear a few times to drive the ball forward.
Xavier dominated in all positions he played and looked the goods streaming down the wing.
Mitch started to get busy down back while Mason H played his best game for the year and snagged a few goals.
Bohdi, Leon and Hudson all chipped in when they had to and we had another complete performance from everyone which is most pleasing.
Well done to Mitch and Mason H who were awarded our best players.
Thanks to all the parents again for their help. Go dolphins!
Jess.
