Tuesday 28 May 2013

By Gavin Broomhead

Innisfail Leprechauns secured their second straight win of the Bendigo Bank CDRL A Grade season with a 36-18 away victory over struggling Atherton Roosters on Sunday.

The Leprechauns, who now sit just four points off the top five, scored tries through Northern Pride-contracted players Ryan Ghietti (2) and Jordan Biondi-Odo, with Hayden Topliss (2), Rob Haren and Fred Koroba also getting on the scoresheet.

The Kangaroos suffered their first home defeat of the season when they lost 30-16 to CDRL leaders Southern Suburbs at Vico Oval.

Suburbs proved too strong for the CDRL’s early pacesetters thanks to tries from Cephas Chinfat, Steve Singleton, Luke Saunders, Jason Nicolaou and Michael Rayment.

Roos’ defeat allowed Mareeba to leapfrog them into second place after the Gladiators put on an impressive 10-try display in a 58-20 away win over Mossman-Port Douglas.

Mareeba player-coach Rod Jensen was once again on the scoresheet, notching a brace of tries, while prop Shana Aue (3 tries) and winger Jason Lea (24 points – one try, 10 goals) also impressed.

Brothers continued their resurgence with a hard-fought 36-28 victory over Edmonton at Stan Williams Park on Sunday.

Nathan Kepa and Justin Castellaro both crossed twice for the reigning premiers.

Meanwhile, Ivanhoes showed their finals credentials at Tully Showground on Saturday night, surprising the hosts with a 32-22 win.

The Knights scored five tries to four, with Taiby Doolah (6 goals) impressing with the boot, to move into the top five.

Yarrabah Seahawks had a bye.