Bellini opera

Innisfail Leprechauns’ A-grade team storm home for a win against Edmonton

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

IN atrocious wet weather and muddy conditions, the Innisfail Leprechauns A-grade rugby league team clung on for a 34 - 24 win over Edmonton Storm at Petersen Park, Edmonton, last Sunday.

Northern Pride dual contracted player Julian Christian returned to play for Innisfail and made an immediate impact with his speed and scored two tries.

Innisfail’s try scorers: Roddrick Duncan, Julian Christian 2, Ayden Kris 2, Daniel Mooka. Aaron Jolley 5 goals.

After the game, Leprechauns A-grade coach Leon Hallie said the conditions made it challenging to play football.

“Just like every other team in the competition, Edmonton made the boys work hard for the win.”

“It was just a matter of getting the crucial two points any way we could.”

“The game was very physical, and it was the period straight after half time that set the team up for the win.”

“At certain times, there were some frustrating moments with regards to options, but at this stage of the season, it is about building momentum.”

Despite a late surge in the second half by Innisfail, Edmonton registered a 38 - 20 victory over Innisfail in Reserve grade at full time.

It was a proud family moment for Innisfail’s Reserve grade coach Ken Laza and the Stevens family when their son Leyman Stevens ran out as captain for Edmonton Storm’s Reserve grade side.

Innisfail’s try scorers: William Laza, Starrison Whaleboat 2, Ronan Doolan. Michael Morton 2 goals.

Innisfail Under 18s side suffered a 46 - 24 loss to Edmonton on a soggy paddock in dismal conditions.

Innisfail’s try scorers: Foua Taloaina 2, Cameron Nelson 2. Cameron Nelson 4 goals.

A depleted Innisfail Leprechauns’ Open Women’s team had a massive loss in their first trial game against Edmonton Storm.

The next women’s trial game for Innisfail is at Callendar Park against Mossman-Port Douglas on Saturday, May 7.

Results - CDRL Round 4 fixtures - April 23 - 24

A Grade

Innisfail 34 def Edmonton 24

Mossman-Port Douglas 20 def Cairns Brothers 14

Ivanhoe Knights 30 def Yarrabah 22

Atherton 18 def Ivanhoe Knights 14 Kangaroos 40 def Mareeba 18

Southern Suburbs vs Tully games at Alley Park, Gordonvale, postponed due to wet weather.

Bye: Yarrabah

Reserve Grade

Edmonton 38 def Innisfail 20

Cairns Brothers 28 def MossmanPort Douglas 10

Atherton 30 def Ivanhoe Knights 10 Mareeba 26 def Kangaroos 22

Under 18

Edmonton 46 def Innisfail 24

Atherton 28 def Ivanhoe Knights 4

Kangaroos 56 def Mareeba 32

Byes: Yarrabah and Cairns Brothers

This weekend, all teams have a bye for the Foley Shield competition in Townsville, and rugby league returns on May 7 - 8 in Round 5 fixtures.

Innisfail returns home to Callendar Park and hosts Mossman-Port Douglas on Saturday, May 7, whilst the Tully Tigers teams travel to Smithfield to face Ivanhoe Knights on Sunday, May 8.

Innisfail Leprechauns and Edmonton Storm women’s teams after their first trial match.

Starrison Whaleboat bagged two tries for Innisfail in the Reserve-grade game.

Innisfail’s double try-scorer Julian Christian (with ball) in the A-grade game.