Table-topping Edmonton Storm held on to a tense 20-12 win over local rivals Southern Suburbs on Saturday night after a power outage seven minutes from time cut short their Round 5 derby clash in the Cairns District Rugby League A Grade competition.
In a clash between two sides with 100 per cent records, it was Suburbs who surged into a 12-6 lead at the break thanks to tries to Richard Joinbee and Luke Saunders.
However, a rejuvenated Storm hit back through Septimus Ambrym, Budhagi Gibuma, Mark Volpe and Eddie Daniel to take control before the lights went out on the game and ensured the hosts remain top of the ladder.
Mareeba Gladiators put in an impressive display at Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks, securing a resounding 42-10 victory – their first of the season.
The Gladiators, with Northern Pride prop Alex Starmer playing his comeback game from a long-term hamstring injury, looked strong throughout at Mossman Showgrounds.
Phil Nona grabbed a hat-trick of tries and in the process collected the LD Total Cairns Player of the Round.
Innisfail Leprechauns bounced back to winning ways with a comfortable 38-8 win in their 2014 Grand Final rematch against Cairns Kangaroos at Callendar Park.
Fred Koraba and Ben Reuter both grabbed doubles, while player coach Ty Williams also got on the scoresheet.
Cairns Brothers moved into second spot on the ladder with their third straight win – a thrilling 32-30 victory at Yarrabah Seahawks.
Chey Bird’s men took the lead in the 73rd minute and held on in defence under intense Yarrabah pressure at Jilara Oval.
Meanwhile, Ivanhoe Knights jumped back into the top five with a nervy 20-16 victory over Atherton Roosters on Saturday night.
Northern Pride-contracted player Jared Verney was among the try scorers after the Knights edged a tight contest, with the scores 16-all with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Tully Tigers had a bye.
2015 DAVID MCCOY HOMES CAIRNS KEY REAL ESTATE A GRADE - ROUND 5 RESULTS:
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
Edmonton Storm 20 (Ambrym, Gibuma, Volpe, Daniel tries; Ambrym 2 goals) def Southern Suburbs 12 (Joinbee, Saunders tries; Colahan 2 goals) at Petersen Park, Edmonton (* match called off at 73rd minute due to power outage).
Innisfail Leprechauns 38 (Koraba 2, Reuter 2, Healy, Williams, Fichera, Cordoba tries; Healy 4 goals) def Cairns Kangaroos 8 (Mene, Warren tries) at Callendar Park, Innisfail.
Mareeba Gladiators 42 (Nona 3, Reys, Tai, Walker, Koroi tries; Reys 3, Nona 2 goals) def Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks 10 (Cobb, Segeyaro tries; Cobb 1 goal) at Mossman Showgrounds.
Ivanhoe Knights 20 (Bassini, Cottet, J. Verney, Pryor tries; Pye 2 goals) def Atherton Roosters 16 (Rivett, Woodleith, Sala tries; Grant 2 goals) at Roosters Stadium, Atherton.
SUNDAY 19 APRIL
Cairns Brothers 32 (Morseau 2, Bon, Rea, Emery-Hunia, Fitzpatrick tries; Doolan 4 goals) def Yarrabah Seahawks 30 (Fourmile, Stanley, Bann, C. Murgha, Comendo tries; C. Murgha 5 goals) at Jilara Oval, Yarrabah.
Tully Tigers – bye.
