Sport
10 June, 2026
United smash Southside 8-0
INNISFAIL United’s under-23 women delivered a statement win on 30 May, smashing Southside 8-0 at Steve Corica Oval, Mourilyan to cement their place at the top of the ladder and continue their blistering start to the season.
The home side was unstoppable from the opening whistle, displaying clinical finishing and rock solid defence in front of a strong local crowd.
The home side set the tone early in the game and surged to a commanding 5-0 lead at half time, while keeping Marlin Coast scoreless.
The momentum carried into the second half with three more goals sealing the emphatic 8-0 victory. After 10 games, the side remains undefeated with nine wins, one draw, 44 goals scored and only four conceded.
Kaila Musumeci, Neena Curzon and Mia Di Carlo each netted two goals, while Malorie Haworth and Lauren Musumeci chipped in with one goal each.
In the men’s under-23 match, Innisfail staged a spirited comeback to edge out Mareeba 4-3 after trailing 2-0 at halftime.
Coach Chris Clauss said the team struggled early, with Mareeba dominating possession and Innisfail’s only first half points coming from a penalty converted by Warren Nabanga.
A revitalised Innisfail outfit emerged after the break, lifting their intensity and ball movement.
Goals to Richard Lore and a second to Nabanga levelled the scores before Aston Vecchio sealed the win with a late strike, securing the crucial three points.
However, Mareeba turned the tables in the premier men’s match, defeating Innisfail 6-3.
Despite defending for a majority of the first half, the Bulls led 1-0 at the break and extended their advantage with two quick goals early in the second half.
Innisfail hit back through Harrison Corica and Liam Crossland, but then had two successive penalty appeals denied and Mareeba responded with three breakaway goals.
“With the team at 3-2 down, we threw extra players forward and got hit on the break, making the score look worse than what had transpired,” coach John Cavanah said.
In junior results, Mareeba proved too strong in the under-13 FQPL match, winning 3-1 with Tommy Christopher scoring Innisfail’s only goal. Mareeba also claimed a 3-0 victory in the under-14/15 FQPL clash. In under-15 division 1, Edge Hill defeated Innisfail 3-1, with Mahutamana Tutavake the lone scorer for the home side.