Sport
26 March, 2026
Leprechauns women show heart in comeback clash with Atherton Roosters
AFTER four years on the sidelines, the Innisfail Leprechauns women’s team stormed back into the Far North Rugby League competition on Saturday night, showing grit and promise in a hard fought 22-14 loss against defending premiers Atherton at Callendar Park.
The late venue switch from Cairns to Innisfail didn’t rattle the home side, who ran out in a bold new playing strip and wasted no time reminding the competition they are back with intent.
Atherton struck first through Layla Geck, with Jasmine Hyde converting for an early 6-0 lead, but Innisfail answered swiftly when halfback Ashley Marshall muscled her way over the line for the team’s first try of the season. A missed conversion kept the Leprechauns two points behind.
Just before the break, Roosters hooker Kimberley Bryant crossed and captain Aleysha Genge added the extras, giving Atherton an eight point buffer at halftime.
Innisfail came out firing in the second half, with a barnstorming try to prop Tahnee Ambrum, who was later named player of the match, and a slotted conversion from Llawana Tomarra narrowed the gap to two.
Atherton responded through a four-pointer to fullback Rayleigh Oppermann before Bryant sealed her double late in the half, which pushed the Roosters out to a 12 point advantage.
The Leprechauns refused to fade, when Alexander Ambrum dived over for a late try, but the missed conversion left Atherton ahead at full time.
Innisfail’s coach Lisa Sue San said she was encouraged by what she saw in the team’s long awaited return.
“There are still a lot of improvements to be made, but I was pleased with their overall performance,” she said.
The Cairns District Rugby League women’s tackle competition which launched in 2020 after a successful league touch season has kicked off in 2026.
In round two, Innisfail travel to Jones Park in Cairns this Friday to take on the Mossman/Port Douglas Sharkettes, with kick off at 6.40pm.