In an already challenging season, luck again deserted them on Sunday in a 77-61 defeat to Coffs Harbour.

It was a match where they couldn’t buy a foul decision – particularly in the second half.

The Dolphins went to the main break holding a six-point advantage which became an 11-point disadvantage by three-quarter time.

Coach Mark Champion was then forced to take numerous players in foul trouble off the court in the closing stages as the Dolphins slumped to yet another loss.

“It wasn’t a big loss, but things just happened in the third quarter that took us out of the game,” Champion said.

“And as happens with young fellas, they got their heads down.

“But I told the boys after the game that the best thing we can do about it is be annoyed that we weren’t quite good enough.

“We know we can match it with them this week.”

It was a different story to the previous night when the Dolphins were simply no match for a rampant Tamworth Thunderbolts.

The Thunderbolts currently occupy the second rung on the Waratah State League division one ladder and it became obvious why early in the match as they cruised to a 100-46 win.

“I thought we played well against Tamworth; they’re second on the ladder at the moment and were too good for us,” Champion said.

Thunderbolts import Rashanti Harris provided plenty of headaches for Dolphin Daniel Styles who did an admirable job in defence.

“One of their imports was too good; every time he touched the ball there was no stopping him,” Champion said.

“But Daniel stood up to him and did pretty well.”