Southern Suburbs look certain to play finals football in 2015 after a superb 46-30 win over leaders Cairns Brothers in their Cairns District Rugby League A Grade clash at Alley Park on Sunday.
Suburbs produced an impressive team performance to overpower the visitors, with Alex Reilly and Aiden Day both grabbing try doubles.
The result leaves Suburbs in fourth spot, but now four points clear of sixth-placed Edmonton in the race for the top five – with just three rounds remaining.
Tully Tigers took advantage of Brothers’ lapse to regain advantage in the race for the minor premiership, following their 32-10 win at fifth-placed Ivanhoes.
Young half-back Jake Clifford once again impressed for Tully, scoring one try and slotting four goals, as the Tigers moved back to the top on points difference.
Tully and Brothers now face off against each other this weekend at Tully Showgrounds in what is surely a winner-takes-all game for the minor premiership.
Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks hit the half-century for the second straight week with a 52-34 victory over Atherton Roosters.
Teenager Quinlyn Cannon, in only his second A Grade game, won the LD Total Cairns CDRL Player of the Round after scoring a brilliant hat-trick.
Sharks coach Trevor Cobb praised Cannon, and the other teenagers he has brought into his resurgent side.
“For the last couple of games, we’ve played two 18-year-olds and three 19-year-olds, so it’s been a massive thing for us to blood these youngsters,” said Cobb.
“I just felt we’ve been lacking a spark all season, and these young guys bring so much energy – it’s been exactly what we needed.
“I’ve watched Quinlyn play all through our junior system, and know what a talent he is – I had no doubt he was ready for A Grade.
“I’d also like to mention the three 19-year-old Bowen boys, who have also played really well for us.”
Although a long shot at four points behind the last finals spot with just three rounds remaining, Cobb refused to give up on a finals place.
“We haven’t put up the white flag yet, but we’re staying positive and hope to finish the season strongly so we can start next year in a positive frame of mind,” he said.
Third-placed Innisfail Leprechauns put a dent in Edmonton’s finals dream with a commanding 42-4 win at Petersen Park.
Luke Romano scored three tries, while veteran Rod Jensen grabbed a brace as Innisfail locked in third spot with the win.
Cairns Kangaroos continue to finish the season strongly after another dominant Bradley Stephen display (two tries, five goals) helped the reigning premiers to a 44-20 win over Mareeba at Vico Oval.
Yarrabah Seahawks had a bye.
2015 DAVID MCCOY HOMES CAIRNS KEY REAL ESTATE A GRADE - ROUND 19 RESULTS:
SATURDAY 1 AUGUST
Mossman-Port Douglas 52 (Cannon 3, Cobb 2, Lightning, Whap, Oui, Bowen, Toby tries; Amber 6 goals) def Atherton Roosters 34 (Rivett, Joseph, Howard, Brady, Molloy, Bailey tries; Blackman 5 goals) at Mossman Showgrounds.
Tully Tigers 32 (Rata-Makene, Clifford, Jolley, Barrett, Rankin, Lavell tries; Clifford 4 goals) def Ivanhoe Knights 10 (Young, Watson tries; Verney goal) at Smithfield Sporting Complex.
SUNDAY 2 AUGUST
Innisfail Leprechauns 42 (Romano 3, Jensen 2, Haren, Koraba, Bounghi tries; Healey 5 goals) def Edmonton Storm 4 (Smith try) at Petersen Park, Edmonton.
Southern Suburbs 46 (Reilly 2, Day 2, Chinfat, Hari, M. Oosen, Elliott, Myles tries; Colahan 5 goals) def Cairns Brothers 30 (Charlie 2, Bon 2, Emery-Hunia, Anau tries; Doolan 2, Roberts goals) at Alley Park, Gordonvale.
Cairns Kangaroos 44 (B. Stephen 2, Warren, T. Stephen, Doi, Lewis, Brown, Pau tries; B. Stephen 5, T. Stephen goals) def Mareeba Gladiators 20 (King, Koroi, Pedersen, Dodd tries; Reys, Williams goals) at Vico Oval, Cairns.
