Sport
18 March, 2024
First loss for Roosters women
HEAVY rains dampened the spirits of Atherton Women’s Roosters, who fell to the Kangaroos 36-6 on Sunday during their first game of the FNQ Rugby League Women’s Competition.
Played in heavy rain at Vico Oval, the Kangaroos ladies handled the wet conditions much better than the Roosters, who were guilty of many attack errors.
The Kangaroos led 20-6 at the break before scoring three more tries in the second stanza to wrap up the two premiership points.
According to women’s coach Paul Stephens, Lexeen Mathieson, Eden Grace, and Aleysha Genge all had strong games for the Roosters.
“Lexeen had a massive game as she took on their (Kangaroos) forwards ... she showed real aggression and played really well,” he said.
“For Eden, she played the whole game dummy half and never came off, and Aleysha will just go about her business and put in a great effort.”
Stephen said despite the loss, he was proud of how the team played and looked forward to the season ahead.
“The rain did a massive favour for the Kangaroos because they are a big, strong, good side, and we were sort of the smaller side,” he said.
“We need to use speed and skill, which you can’t do in that much rain, but that is not an excuse.
“But it was a great effort against last year’s premiers, and I am very happy with their performance.”
The Roosters will now look to regroup before their next match at Yarrabah on Sunday 7 April.
