In Round 11 of Cairns District Junior Rugby League fixtures, Ivanhoe Knights played Kangaroos, Scorpions and Edmonton at Jones Park in Cairns and Petersen Park, Edmonton.
Two games were previously played on Friday evening where the Ivanhoes Under 15s and Under 16 teams played against Kangaroos.
The Knights Reds Under 10s team who usually come out firing were on the back foot against an enthusiastic and fast Kangaroos outfit.
Kangaroos seemed to have an answer for each play and Ivanhoes went down in a hard fought game.
William Lloyd was named the player of the match for his determination on field which resulted in the team move more seamlessly in attack.
The second game between Ivanhoes White Under 10s and Scorpions ended up being half filled with Ivanhoes Reds players due to low player numbers.
For the first 10 minutes, it was more like a fun match which was reflected on the scoreboard.
Once the Ivanhoes snapped into game mode and found momentum, the game quickly turned around.
Over the past few months, Ivanhoes Under 11s have shown great progress both individually and as a team.
Every week, there has been marked improvements in their games with good communication between team members and all playing their hearts out.
At the start of the season, Ivanhoes and Kangaroos were evenly matched, but this game saw a huge difference with Ivanhoes running out six tries to three winners.
Zi'rese Rampling scored a double, while Nazaiah Manuel, Alistair Tabuai-Richardson, Zavier Whipp and Tyson Ezea chipped in with one try apiece.
Competitive junior results were as follows:
Under 13
Edmonton 54 defeated Ivanhoes 6
Under 14
Ivanhoes 46 defeated Edmonton 16
Under 15
Kangaroos 52 defeated Ivanhoes 16
Under 16
Ivanhoes 44 defeated Kangaroos 16
Ivanhoes Under 16s team are currently sitting second on the ladder; Under 14 boys and Under 14 girls teams are in second place while Under 13 and Under 15 teams are in fifth.
In Round 12 this Saturday, Ivanhoes will host Cairns Brothers, Redlynch and Edmonton at Smithfield in final games of the season before finals.
On the day, Ivanhoes Under 11s will be holding a bake sale while Under 7s will have a raffle to raise funds for their respective teams.
The Under 15 and 16 games were played on Friday evening at Jones Park.
Games start at 9.30am and will feature Under 6 - Under 12 teams followed by Under 13, and Under 14 boys and girls.
Ivanhoe Knights Junior Rugby League Club presentation day will be held on Sunday, September 8.
Main image: An Ivanhoes junior player makes a strong run in a game against Edmonton Storm. Photo: Chris Robson
