Yarrabah Seahawks won a thrilling encounter 32-30 at Mossman–Port Douglas Sharks on Friday night in Round 11 of the David McCoy Homes Cairns Key Real Estate District Rugby League A Grade competition.
In the Kenfrost Homes Game of the Round, Yarrabah scored a last-minute try to deny the hosts, and in the process retained third spot on the ladder.
Last week’s Player of the Round Andrew Garrett (two tries) was again a strong performer for the Seahawks, while Troyson Bassini and Fenton Murgha also chipped in with doubles.
Innisfail Leprechauns cemented top spot after their 40-18 home triumph over Mareeba Gladiators, their eighth win in nine games this season.
However, despite the win, Innisfail coach Ty Williams said his side weren’t at their best at Callendar Park against a valiant Gladiators outfit.
“The bye last week certainly gave us the chance to refresh, but we were still a bit nervous in the way we played,” said Williams.
“Credit to Mareeba, who came out strongly, but I know there’s a fair bit of improvement left in our side.
“We’re a very fit and physical side, and that really helped us towards the end of the game when Mareeba tired.
“We need to refocus though and make sure we achieve the standards we’ve set ourselves this season, both with our team and personal goals.”
Tully Tigers continue to impress and remain in second position after a 32-20 victory at Ivanhoes on Saturday night.
Caleb Ritai and Isikeli Sitapa both grabbed two tries apiece as the visitors crossed the try line seven times, while a major plus for Ivanhoes on an otherwise disappointing night was the strong display of captain Trent Barnard, who scored a brace.
Southern Suburbs are in fourth spot after they put a weakened Atherton Roosters side to the sword, running in 15 tries in a 74-4 romp.
Chad Henley, Rhys Hanlon, Tony O’Connor, Alex Reilly and Brent Oosen all scored doubles in a game which saw the hosts lead 50-4 at the interval.
Suburbs prop Reilly was named LD Total Cairns CDRL Player of the Round for his outstanding individual display.
Meanwhile, reigning premiers Kangaroos withstood a brave challenge from Edmonton to win 44-36 in their clash at Peterson Park on Sunday.
Bert Whap scored a hat-trick of tries for the visitors, while Bradley Stephens collected a personal haul of 16 points.
Cairns Brothers had a bye.
2014 David McCoy Homes Cairns Key Real Estate A Grade – ROUND 11 RESULTS
FRIDAY 23 MAY
Yarrabah Seahawks 32 (Garrett 2, Bassini 2, F. Murgha 2 tries; B. Murgha 4 goals) def Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks 30 (Lightning 2, Grainer, Hooper, Cobb tries; Cobb 5 goals) at Mossman Showgrounds.
SATURDAY 24 MAY
Innisfail Leprechauns 40 (Davis 2, Koraba 2, Costa, Jensen, Romano, Koraba 6 goals) def Mareeba Gladiators 18 (Ge;a, Williams, Sio tries; Hogan 3 goals) at Callendar Park.
Tully Tigers 36 (Ritai 2, Sitapa 2, Verney, Jolley, Ranair tries; Verney 3, Jolley goals) def Ivanhoe Knights 20 (Barnard 2, Prior, McMullen tries; Ross, Baragud goals) at Smithfield.
SUNDAY 25 MAY
Southern Suburbs 74 (C. Henley 2, Hanlon 2, O’Connor 2, Reilly 2, B. Oosen 2, Chinfat, A. Henley, Coutts, M. Oosen tries; Riesen 4, Nicolaou 3 goals) def Atherton Roosters 4 (Woodleigh try) at Alley Park.
Cairns Kangaroos 44 (Whap 3, Stephens 2, Port, Warren, Brown, Cook tries; Stephens 4 goals) def Edmonton Storm 36 (Kyles 2, Wales 2, Harrison, S. Quakawoot, K. Quakawoot tries; Whyatte 4 goals) at Peterson Park.
