Sport
7 July, 2025
Roosters bounce back
THE Atherton Roosters bounced back with a convincing win against the Innisfail Leprechauns at the weekend after their recent loss to the Mareeba Gladiators.
The Roosters made the trek down to Innisfail on Saturday and defeated the home side 32-16. The Roosters Reserves and Under 19s also found themselves good wins.
The scoring was opened by Atherton centre Brad Hammond in the 10th minute and he was shortly followed by his halfback Rhylee Herd just minutes later, getting their team out to a quick 10-0 lead.
Innisfail didn’t back down willingly though. They soon went over for their first try and went on to hold the Roosters out for the remainder of the first half before going over again right on halftime. The score was 10-10 at the break.
The Roosters came out in the second half and proved why they’re a top side this year, scoring four tries and keeping Innisfail to just one.
Atherton struck first just eight minutes into the second half through winger Shamish O’Quinn. Another Roosters try soon followed, this time through interchange hooker Oskar Coutts. The score was then 20-10.
Innisfail then answered back with a try of their own and soon after Atherton lock Connor Griffin was sent to the sin bin.
But even with a man down, the Roosters were able to run away with the lead and score two more tries.
O’Quinn claimed his second for the game in the 67th minute and other winger Ty Grogan extended his team’s lead with a four pointer with less than a minute to play.
The Roosters came out on top 32-16 and now hold second spot on the FNQRL ladder.
The Roosters Reserves also enjoyed a good win, taking down Innisfail 34-16, while the Under 19s smashed their Innisfail rivals 42-20.
This Saturday the Roosters will travel again, this time to Vico Oval, Cairns to take on the Cairns Kangaroos.
The Under 19s will get things underway at 1.30pm, followed by Reserve Grade at 3pm, and A Grade at 6pm.
