Sport
10 April, 2026
Women ‘united’ against foes
INNISFAIL United’s under-23 ladies’ team had a dream start to their 2026 campaign, unleashing a commanding 6-0 victory over the Stratford Dolphins in Cairns, a performance that immediately made their presence felt.
United were ruthless in front of goal at Nick Brko Field, with Malorie Haworth and Kaila Musumeci each bagging doubles, while Kaitlyn Musumeci and Ella Borg added one apiece to round out the emphatic win.
But since then, the weather has been the only thing winning consistently. Persistent rain across the Far North region has washed out two consecutive weekends of football action, forcing widespread postponements.
Four Innisfail United teams were set for their first home fixtures of the season on 21 March against Redlynch Strikers, including the under 23 ladies’ clash with Marlin Coast on 20 March, but all matches will now be rescheduled, with new dates to be confirmed.
Division 1 and 2 matches against Edge Hill, scheduled for 20 March at Tiger Park in Cairns, were also postponed.
The wet conditions have caused headaches beyond the regular season. Round three of the Kappa Queensland Cup, set for 21 February at Trinity Beach, was abandoned entirely. When Innisfail finally returned to the field a week later, their Kappa Cup run came to a heartbreaking end, falling 6-3 to Marlin Coast Rangers despite a spirited second-half fightback.
Trailing 5-1 at halftime, United clawed their way back through goals from Ethan Crossland and Nilua Iaukou, plus a penalty slotted by Kyle McCallum, but the deficit proved too much to overcome.
With the skies finally beginning to clear, clubs across the region will be hoping the coming weeks bring football back into the spotlight.