Sport
12 September, 2022
Under 18s set for grand final
THE Senior Atherton Roosters under 18 side are through to the 2022 grand final after defeating minor premiers Kangaroos 32-26 in Sunday’s FNQ Rugby League major semi at Barlow Park.
After trailing 26-24 with nine minutes of play remaining, the Roosters powered back to produce two late tries through Stanley Bustard and Tait Coghlan which sealed their spot in the decider.
Tries to Tom Cuda, Kaleb Nielson and Stanley Bustard in the first twenty minutes of play on Sunday gave the Roosters a near perfect start and a handy 18-0 lead.
The Roosters led 18-6 at the break after Kangaroos crossed for their first points at the 30th minute.
Poor ball security dampened the Roosters restart allowing Kangaroos to hit the line for two quick tries which cut the gap to 18-16.
Cleon Doughboy’s try midway into the second session pushed the Roosters lead out to 24-16 before Kangaroos hit back with two more tries to lead for the first time at 26-24.
To their credit, the Roosters produced a big finish and were full of running in going over for their two match winning tries.
The Roosters last won the under 18 title back in 2004 and the 2022 side are now booked to break that 18-year-old drought when they return to Barlow Park at 2pm on Saturday 24 September.
Kangaroos and Ivanhoes play in this Sunday’s preliminary final to decide who will go up against the Roosters in the grand
