Sport
27 May, 2026
U23 women top of ladder
INNISFAIL United enjoyed a standout week across two divisions, with the club’s under-23 women and premier men’s teams delivering strong performances in the next round fixtures in the Football Queensland Premier League.
The under-23 women continued their dominant run, securing their seventh straight win with a confident 3-0 victory over Leichhardt at Jeff Pezzutti Park, Trinity Beach on 15 May to remain firmly on top of the Far North Premier League under-23 women’s ladder.
Kaitlyn Musumeci opened the scoring in the 18th minute and a goal by Bianca Borg gave Innisfail a 2-0 lead at the break.
Their disciplined defence kept Leichhardt scoreless throughout, and Mia Di Carlo sealed the dominant win with a goal in the 61st minute of the game.
After a win over Southside, Innisfail’s premier men’s team came back from a 2-0 deficit to grind out a 2-2 draw against Redlynch on 17 May at Calanna Park, Woree.
The squad has benefitted since Francesco Trotter and Cameron Epong have returned from injury. Innisfail’s second half goal scorers were the Crossland brothers, Liam and Ethan.
Innisfail Cutters coach John Cavanah said he was happy with the way the team clawed their way back in the game and nearly stole the win in the 90th minute with a strong effort by Harrison Corica.
“It was great to see the Crossland brothers scoring and the team’s determined fightback,” he said.
The club credits ex-physiotherapist Joe Van Tienen for guiding several players back to full fitness.
Earlier in the season, he helped Ethan Crossland return to form and Crossland is now flourishing in the midfield.
“I’m especially grateful to Van Tienen for helping these three players back to full fitness, they all performed admirably,” said Cavanah.
“Chris Clauss who made his debut this season has added valuable experience to the midfield.”
After their win over Southside, the under-23 men missed plenty of scoring opportunities and eventually capitulated 1-0 to a strong Redlynch outfit.