Sport
5 September, 2022
Roosters bow out of finals
THE Atherton Roosters 2022 race for the first grade premiership has ended following their 30-14 elimination final loss to Ivanhoes on Sunday at Barlow Park.
Ivanhoes’ Under 18 team also ended the finals journey for the Mareeba Gladiatiors Under 18 side, beating them 36-10.
Ivanhoes pushed the Roosters’ buttons early with two tries in the opening 10 minutes to lead 10-0.
Their points came through a try to winger Jesse Carleton, but Ivanhoes were quick to reply with another four pointer and led 14-6 after 27 minutes of play.
Roosters winger Tom Cuda then went over in the corner to put his side back in the hunt.
Ivanhoes went to the break-up 14-10 and returned to the park with another three tries in the space of 20 minutes which ended the Roosters campaign that has been plagued with injuries over the past few months.
The Mareeba Gladiators U18 side went down to Ivanhoes in their elimination final on Sunday after Ivanhoes led 18-0 at half time.
Going into the game a little slow, the team was riddled with errors and by the time they got back on their feet, they were unable to pin the Knights down.
Key players Cain Hastie, Leon Wood and Reece Dally did their best to keep the Gators score up but were ultimately defeated.
Coach Bryce Morgan said although he felt the side played the worse they had ever played this season, he was not disheartened, with the team ready to train harder and better for the next season.
The young U18 Roosters played hard and fast, moving through to the major semi-final after grabbing a 30-28 win over Brothers.
Brothers led 28-18 with 10 minutes remaining before tries to Matt Serra and Jonomick Lui got the Roosters across the line for their two-point win.
The FNQ rugby league finals continue this Sunday at Barlow and sees the Roosters Under 18 team playing the major semi against minor premiers Kangaroos at 11am with the winner going through to the 24 September grand final.
