EXPRESS sPORT Suburbs claim first victory over Roosters
Roosters Coach Dean Howard is not happy with his sides recent form and looking at changes.
Suburbs ripped the monkey off their back on Saturday night, claiming their first victory of the 2016 Cairns District Rugby League season with a 26-16 win over the Atherton Roosters, at Roosters Stadium. After a roaring start to the season, the Roosters have now lost their last three starts, but remain in the top five mix. Although it was a very wet track, Roosters coach Dean Howard said there was no excuses for another poor effort from his side. “Our forwards are going well, but we are making a lot for errors in attack,” said Howard. “We are turning the ball over early with poor handling and not showing to much energy in what we do. With the Roosters reserve grade going well, Howard said he would be looking at making some changes to the top side. “There is plenty of depth and talent knocking on the door in our
Washed out by rain
Barras challenge Comets Semi-Final bound Comets were strongly challenged by Barras, in last weeks round of the Mareeba mens Basketball competition. With under two minutes remaining to the full time hooter, the encounter was evenly balanced. But a couple of long bombs by outstanding youngster Jeremy McKay and a successful basket by the ever consistent David Hawke, suddenly extinguished the hopes of an upset win by Barras. Jeremy McKay was simply superb in scoring 31 points in the Comets, 56-47 victory over Barras. No doubt Daniel Ruggeri produced his best performance since returning from overseas and contributed 17 points, while Tommy Harvey also played well for Barras. The other mens fixtures both resulted in surprise results. Stingrays narrowly defeated Young G’s by 43 to 41. While competition leaders Red Devils suffered consecutive defeats going down to Mareeba Express by 4 points. This week sees the concluding round of competition fixtures before semi-finals. With Red Devils just holding a single point lead over Comets on the points table, the results of fixtures this Thursday are vital. To retain top position Red Devils need to defeat Stingrays. Certainly Red Devils must find their winning form, as Comets can steal top position by defeating Ciggy Butts. Also Ciggy Butts can
MAREEBA
reserve grade who were very good against Suburbs on Saturday,” he said. The Roosters will now look at breaking their three game losing streak against Brothers this Saturday. In reserve grade, the Roosters delivered their best for the year in defeating Suburbs 36-4. Dean Soley, Darcy Lacey, Brendon Nasser, Dylan Taylor and Mikal Guivarra all stood out for the Roosters, who outscored Suburbs seven tries to one. The Roosters and Suburbs played a 24 all draw in the under 18 match with both sides crossing for five tries. Roosters prop forward James Coyle crossed for three tries while Matty Baillie and Mitchell Flett scored one each. This Saturday the Roosters travel to Stan Williams Park and play Cairns Brothers in three grades. Game times are – 3pm under 18, 4.30pm reserve grade and 6pm first grade.
clinch second place in the competition by scoring a victory over Comets. Both ladies and the various junior divisions will contest the last round of their fixtures this week as well. MAMMA’S are certain table toppers in the ladies competition. While the Orange Tops have performed well, leading in each of the three junior grades going into this round of fixtures.
LEICHHARDT
BULLS LIONS VS
While unseasonal rain caused the Mareeba Bulls Premier game to be washed out on Sunday, the mens 2nd Division side was the shining light on Friday Night. Staying ahead of the pack the side are leading the FNQ 2nd Division ladder after a hard fought 1-0 win over the Leichhardt Lions, at Lindsay Australia Stadium in Mareeba. The Bulls faced a Lions outfit sprinkled with former Bulls – including coach Sasha Stankovich and youngsters Pier Portella and Luke Trabucco. Both were involved early as the Lions came out firing and caught the Bulls napping at the back. Mario Terranova put his body on the line to save one off the line and keeper Joe Marinelli was in fine form. After soaking up some early pressure the homeside started to fight back, but after a even first half, both sides went into the sheds unable to find a break through. The second period kicked off with the Bulls bossing the Lions around the park with striker Damien Wildman, midfielders Josh Ruiz and Eric Iacutone all coming close. It was Wildman who finally found a break through in the 60th minute with a bullet header hitting the crossbar and bouncing down over the line. Wildman’s goal was the only goal of the game and enough for the Bulls take home all three points – staying five points clear at the top of the competition.
HOM GAM E E!
SUNDAY, MAY 29
Lindsay Australia Stadium, Mareeba SUNDAY MAY 29 Premiers 4pm Reserves 2pm Youth (A) 12noon
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – MAY 27 2nd Div Men ‘BULLS V BARRA’S’ 8.30pm @ Dimbulah Youth (B) ‘BULLS V SOUTHSIDE’ 6.30pm @ Edmonton
Mareeba United Football Club, Borzi Park, Chewko Rd, Mareeba www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au
The Express, Wednesday, May 25, 2016 PAGE 31