Dolphins’ streak grows but coach unsatisfied

SURFERS Paradise captaincoach Kris Burton has challenged his all-conquering side to lift if they are to successfully defend their Gold Coast District Rugby Union crown.

The Dolphins trumped Palm Beach Currumbin 28-10 on Saturday to take their 31st win on the trot in a run that stretches back to the start of the 2016 season.

But former Italy international Burton isn’t satisfied with scraping by and believes his team can raise the bar.

The Dolphins started slowly, bombing a number of early scoring opportunities before eventually finding their groove.

“We had the chances so that’s what you have got to take out of it but our guys have got to learn from it,” he said. “At finals time you have to take every chance or you might not get another one.”

They next play Bond Pirates, who swept aside Coomera 57-7, with coach Jeff Bloomers pleased with their improved effort to stick to their game plan. Winger Tom Sly scored a hat-trick.

Bloomers added he felt for struggling Coomera. “We need to support them. We don’t want them to fold,” he said.

Undermanned Gold Coast Eagles were unable to repeat their Round 12 heroics, falling 48-13 to Colleges.

“The big one was it was a danger game for us, so being able to handle that type of pressure getting closer to the finals,” Knights coach Graham Herlihy said.

“It was important for us to be able to start strong and get on top and go on with it.”

Helensvale defeated Coolangatta Tweed 55-12.