Sport
9 April, 2024
Gators knocked back by injuries
IT might have been an impressive start for the Mareeba Gladiators on Saturday night, but the under-manned team could not pull off the win against Kangaroos, going down 28-24.
Going into the game hoping to notch their first win of the 2024 competition, the local team put in their all, scoring the first two tries of the game before the Roos claimed possession of the ball.
The Gladiators scored again to take a 12-6 lead into half-time after not converting any tries.
Injuries and a lack of possession hurt in the second half before the Gladiators put up a late fightback, scoring with five minutes to go and coming up just short on the bell.
Coach Chris Sheppard even had to take to the field this weekend, picking up the ball and scoring a try for his team.
"We're really short on players at the moment but the effort and grit the boys showed was outstanding. If we keep doing that, we'll get a result,” Sheppard said.
"Caleb Dally was our best tonight. It really hurt when we lost Ryan Flegler but it was great to see Hubie Elu and Ian King back to their best.
"We'll turn up again this week, work hard and look to get a result on the weekend. We'll be better for these times down the track."
The Gladiators will play away against Innisfail this Saturday.
