Tully Tigers reinforced their premiership credentials with a thrilling 29-22 victory at Southern Suburbs in Round 10 of the David McCoy Homes Cairns Key Real Estate District Rugby League A Grade competition on Sunday afternoon.
In a game worthy of the Kenfrost Homes Game of the Round, the Tigers, who have lost just one game all year, took on last season’s beaten Grand Finalists.
And with just 13 minutes left on the clock and trailing 22-16, it looked as though Tully would fall short in difficult wet conditions at Alley Park.
But Tigers hooker Aaron Jolley scored a superb individual try, before centre Troy Peri scored again minutes later and Jolley sealed a memorable win with a late field goal.
“We have always struggled here and they stuck it to us, and gave us the physical contest we needed,” said Tully coach Leon Hallie.
Yarrabah continue to impress after a 46-18 home win over Mareeba saw them move into third spot on the ladder.
Andrew Garrett and Oswald Fourmile both grabbed hat-tricks at Jilara Oval, with Garrett’s superb display earning him the LD Total Cairns CDRL Player of the Round award.
Seahawks coach Lloyd Singleton Jr said that despite the win, his side can still improve ahead of the second half of the season.
“It was more of a grinding win at the weekend, than any of the free-flowing football we’re known to play,” said Singleton Jr.
“It wasn’t pretty, but we’re trying to play to structures more, as it’s that kind of approach which I think can help us win the comp.
“We’re trying to get our defence right and we’re steadily improving – we’re certainly pretty happy to be in third spot at this stage.”
Singleton Jr also praised Garrett for his performances since his return to A Grade.
“Andrew’s been absolutely terrific for us. He’s taken his chance really well, and is so quick off the mark, so he’s added a lot to our game,” said Singleton Jr.
It was also a special occasion at Jilara Oval as Yarrabah held its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month event during its Mareeba clash.
Brothers extended their unbeaten streak to three games after thrashing Edmonton Storm 50-0 at Stan Williams Park.
Northern Pride-contracted back Justin Castellaro scored two tries in the nine-try romp, with James Doolah landing seven conversions.
On Saturday night, reigning premiers Kangaroos beat Ivanhoes 30-24 in a wet encounter at Vico Oval.
Roos retain their spot in the top five, despite having played two games fewer than some teams, while Ivanhoes remain second from bottom.
Meanwhile, Mossman-Port Douglas continue to look a force as they secured a 40-26 victory at Atherton Roosters to remain in sixth spot.
Top-of-the-table Innisfail Leprechauns had a bye.
2014 David McCoy Homes Cairns Key Real Estate A Grade – ROUND 10 RESULTS
Saturday 17 May
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks 40 (Cobb 2, Zammataro 2, Oui 2, Hayes, Denman tries; Cobb 4 goals) def Atherton Roosters 26 (Lepori 2, Rivett, Webb, Curcio tries; Curcio 3 goals) at Roosters Stadium, Atherton.
Cairns Kangaroos 30 (Brown, Ambrym, Barba, Whap, Masid, Dodd tries; Amber goal) def Ivanhoe Knights 24 (Baragud, Watson, B. Reed, Skardon tries; Baragud 4 goals) at Vico Oval.
Sunday 18 May
Cairns Brothers 50 (Castellaro 2, Anau, Daniel, Morseu, Badge, Webb, Bon, Gil tries; Doolah 7 goals) def Edmonton Storm 0 at Stan Williams Park.
Tully Tigers 29 (Peri 2, Rix, Tauli, Verney, Jolley tries; Jolley, Verney goals; Jolley field goal) def Southern Suburbs 22 (Riesen, Hanlon, Raymont, Baleski tries; Riesen 3 goals) at Alley Park.
Yarrabah Seahawks 46 (Garrett 3, O. Fourmile 3, M. Murgha, Bann, B. Murgha tries; B. Murgha 5 goals) def Mareeba Gladiators 18 (Volp, Tabua, Sio tries; Hunter 3 goals) at Jilara Oval.
Innisfail Leprechauns – BYE.
