The stage was set on Sunday for a top-of-the-table A Grade clash between Cairns Brothers and Atherton Roosters and it certainly didn't disappoint.
Brothers young gun Evan Child made his debut for Northern Pride in the Intrust Super Cup game against North Devils on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
A number of other changes were made to Cairns Brothers A Grade side that defeated Tully Tigers a fortnight ago in Round 3.
Abiu Pearson was unavailable to play, while young Teddy Kepa returned to the side looking fit. Terrence Casey was also called up to Northern Pride duties again.
Co-signed Pride player Jordan Biondi-Odo made his debut for Cairns Brothers along with juniors Cameron Graham and former Tully player Robert Ketchell.
Wet and slippery conditions at Stan Williams Park presented challenges for both sides; with ball control difficult in a tough and physical tussle.
Two tries to Biondi-Odo and Isiah Wigness helped steer Brothers to a 28-18 victory over Atherton, which now sees them move to the top of the CDRL ladder.
Scores were locked at 12-12 at halftime and the second half was set for a grandstand finish.
Quinlyn Cannon also scored for Cairns, while for the Roosters, Ned Blackman scored a double and Nigel Woodleigh had one try.
Cairns Brothers coach Paul Stevens (who is in his first year of the role) said it was pleasing to dig in and get the win in trying conditions which didn't really suit their style of play.
He felt their defence was the key to winning the game, especially in the early part of the second half when the Roosters were constantly in their half.
Graham, who is only 17, held his own in the last 10 minutes of the game when Kepa came off.
"With five of our A Grader players out and the side not full strength, it was great to see Graham out on the field," Stevens said.
"Both Kepa and Biondi-Odo were instrumental in leading the team by example on the paddock with their experience and calming influence.
"There are a couple of boys to return and we are hoping we might get Terrence Casey back from the Pride for our next game against Edmonton."
Stevens said it was important for the future of the club and his focus was to keep nurturing the juniors so there was a strong base of players to move up the ranks.
This week, the team are set to have a tough fitness and conditioning session and a 'freshen up' before the game against Edmonton.
In Under 18s, Cairns Brothers were too strong for Atherton 42-8, while Atherton prevailed over Cairns Brothers 28-6 in Reserve Grade.
Southern Suburbs travelled to Smithfield Sports Complex on Saturday to clash with Ivanhoes Knights and in a nail biting contest the game ended in an 18-18 draw.
In A Grade, Suburbs scored in the first 10 minutes, but moments later, scores were locked at 6-6.
Suburbs scored again with 15 minutes left in the half to go into the break leading Ivanhoes 16-6.
With 17 minutes left in the game, Ivanhoes led Suburbs by two points and the game was set for a thrilling finale.
Nothing could separate both sides with the scores at 18-18 and with eight minutes left, the deadlock was unable to be broken at the fulltime siren.
Ivanhoes Knights proved too strong and defeated Southern Suburbs 38-12 in Under 18s.
Suburbs Reserve grade side notched up a convincing 34-16 win against Ivanhoes.
After leading by 1-0 at halftime, Suburbs women's touch football side notched up their second win with a 2-0 victory over Ivanhoes.
Defending premiers Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks made an hour road trip on Saturday to Davies Park to take on Mareeba Gladiators and got the monkey off their back with a comprehensive 50-18 victory over Mareeba in A Grade.
Mareeba led the Sharks by 18-6 at halftime, but failed to post points in the second half.
This was a rewarding result and confidence boost for Mossman A Gade coach Brian Murgha who registered his first win and competition points for the season.
The Gladiators ground out a 24-20 win over Mossman-Port Douglas in Reserve Grade and the Mareeba women's touch football team had an 8-8 draw against Mossman-Port Douglas Sharkettes.
Another highly anticipated contest took place between third placed Kangaroos and fifth placed Innisfail Leprechauns at Vico Oval.
Innisfail went into Sunday's game missing a number of key players including Robbie Haren and Jaymon Moore who are fielding injuries.
Nothing could separate both sides and the game ended in a 32-32 draw at full time.
Kangaroos defeated Innisfail by 16-10 in Reserve Grade and in Under 18s Innisfail had a scoring fest and thrashed Kangaroos 62-10.
Innisfail women's touch team continued their unbeaten run with a 4-1 win over Kangaroos.
Ninth placed Yarrabah Seahawks hosted seventh placed Edmonton Storm at Jilara Oval on Sunday.
The A grade match was another nail biter with Edmonton snatching a one point 31 - 30 win over Yarrabah with a field goal slotted right at the death.
Yarrabah were too strong for Edmonton with a 24-18 win in Reserve Grade, while in Under 18s, Edmonton defeated Yarrabah 32-12.
Tully Tigers had the bye.
There will be no fixtures played this weekend due to the Labour Day long weekend, but CDRL action will return the following weekend of May 11-12.
