Sport
20 May, 2026
Leps smash Roosters to bits
A FOUR try first half blitz propelled the Innisfail Leprechauns to a commanding 26-6 victory over the Atherton Roosters at Callendar Park on 17 May, retaining the coveted John Cole Toyota Mayor’s Challenge trophy.
Playing in greasy conditions, the home side exploded out of the blocks, piling on four unanswered tries to take a dominant 20-0 lead into halftime.
Atherton managed just one try after the break as the Leprechauns tightened their defence and closed out a convincing win in the 25th year of the fiercely contested annual clash.
Innisfail’s try scorers were Tomasi Skelton, Siosifa Uasike, Aaron Jolley, Zadok Heron Jia and Maddison Barriball, with Jolley adding three goals. Michael Carroll returned to the side and earned man of the match honours for his impressive attack and defence.
After the match, Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood presented the trophy to Innisfail captain Jolley on behalf of the team.
The victory extends Innisfail’s tally to 17 trophy wins, with Atherton sitting on eight.
Leprechauns A grade coach Matt Healey said Atherton were always a tough team but winning at home carries extra satisfaction.
In reserve grade, Innisfail continued their strong form, chalking up a sixth straight win with a dominant 42-12 result.
Leading 16-6 at halftime, the Leprechauns surged away thanks to a hat trick from returning player Ethan Vick and a double from Jayden Rudken.
Other try scorers were Devante Heron, Michael Morton and Malachi Donaldson, with Morton landing five conversions. Vick’s impressive return from injury earned him man of the match.
Despite having two players sent to the sin bin, Innisfail toughed out a 20-10 win in the under-19s.
The Leprechauns struck first and held a 12-4 lead at the break.
Try scorers were Kai Cooper, Jimmy Scott, Tiwai Shaw and Jafari Brown, with Ashton Stepanoff adding two goals. Stepanoff, who had already backed up from the under-17s and Cooper shared man of the match honours.
In the women’s match, Innisfail held a narrow six point halftime lead before powering home to a determined 20-4 victory over Atherton.
Try scorers were Ashley Marshall, Tahnee Ambrum, Arianna Martin and Jordanna Woods, with goals to Llawana Tomarra and Alexandra Ambrum.
Coach Lisa Sue San said the win was a reward for the team’s defensive commitment, especially against one of the competition’s top sides.
“It was great to have Teneisha Ah Kee back from injury and strong on field leadership from Alex Ambrum,” she said.
“Lillee Barba who stepped up from under-17s had an impressive debut.”
Sue San also highlighted solid performances from Karien Meeks, Barba and Shiloh Babsek, noting the victory was very much a team effort.
FNQRL Round 7 fixtures - 16 - 17 May
A-Grade
Innisfail 26 def Atherton 6
Ivanhoe Knights 22 def Tully 18
Southern Suburbs 54 def Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks 16
Mareeba 42 def Yarrabah 28
Cairns Brothers 24 def Kangaroos 12
Reserve-Grade
Innisfail 42 def Atherton 12
Tully 32 def Ivanhoe Knights 18
Southern Suburbs 26 def Mossman-Port Douglas 8
Mareeba 28 def Yarrabah 20
Kangaroos 16 def Cairns Brothers 12
Under 19
Innisfail 20 def Atherton 10
Ivanhoe Knights 24 def Tully 12
Mareeba 28 def Yarrabah 24
Cairns Brothers 38 def Kangaroos 18
Bye: Southern Suburbs
Open women’s
Innisfail 20 def Atherton 4
Kangaroos 14 def Yarrabah 12
Southern Suburbs 68 def Mossman-Port Douglas 4
Bye: Ivanhoe Maidens
In Round 8, Innisfail Leprechauns three senior men’s teams travel to Stan Williams Park this Saturday, 23 May to face Cairns Brothers, while Tully teams have a home game clash with Mossman-Port Douglas.