Mixed Results for Burdekin Sides in Tough Round

A Grade

The A Grade Roosters fell short on Saturday in a gritty fightback against Herbert River in Ingham.
The team suffered a heartbreaking 14–12 defeat to the Crushers in a hard-fought derby, with a slow start and missed opportunities ultimately costing them the game.

The Roosters found themselves in a 14–0 hole after a frustrating first half plagued by errors and missed chances.
Poor ball control and a lack of attention to detail in attack saw them squander early field position, allowing the Crushers to capitalise with two tries.
The defensive effort was good, but the inability to convert pressure into points proved costly.

To their credit, the Roosters refused to lie down, mounting a spirited second-half comeback.
Their defence tightened significantly, shutting the River out, while their attack finally found some rhythm.
Two late tries gave them a chance to snatch a draw, but the conversions weren’t enough to level the scores.

The fightback was a testament to the team’s resilience, and the coach will take positives from that.
Hayde Munro had a relentless work rate in attack and defence, constantly bending the line, while Colby Thompson’s strong carries and smart decision-making kept the Roosters in the contest.
Terrence Mosby was electric on the edges, causing problems every time he touched the ball, while Adam Camer was solid in his A Grade debut at fullback, showing composure beyond his experience level.

The early errors and lack of execution will be a focus at training, with better ball control and sharper attacking structures needed.
With centre Jesse Yallop out injured on Saturday and Logan Dickson with the Blackhawks, the coach may start either Luca Lago or Dylan Doak, with Terry Connors moving to the centres alongside James Munro.

Burdekin tries: Dylan Doak and Jye Olsen
Goals: Joel Mason 2/2

Reserves

Reserves coach Peter Horan said his team made too many mistakes in a 34–6 loss.

“Once again, we did well with 15 of our side under 20 against a very experienced River team who tried to take charge of the game all the time,” he said.

The Crushers were an older team, but Burdekin didn’t let youth take over—perhaps because they were missing some experienced players.
Horan said he thought they were right in it at halftime, down only 12–6, but smart play by some old heads and great kicking by Ingham’s 30-year reunion halfback Mitchell Seri kept the result in their favour.

Matthew Lee at centre was the players’ player, not far ahead of Taylor Pepa, with Archer Swindley also going well.
Luca Lago was one of the better players on the paddock, while winger Malik Ogameni was closely watched but came out on top.

Try: Price Gesah
Penalty goal: Dylan Doak

Ladies

The Burdekin River ladies team were well beaten by last year’s women’s premiers, Centrals, on Sunday in Townsville, going down 32–0.

The Tigers girls had too much experience for the younger combined team. Although they tried hard, they were generally outclassed. Dropped ball on early tackles didn’t help.

Martina Monday was named players’ player, and Paige Horvat was also among the best for the Burdekin River team, who tried till the end.

Ladder Update

The latest placings now see A Grade and the Combined Women sitting fourth on the ladder, with Reserve Grade in fifth.

Other Results

A Grade:

Brothers def. Charters Towers 40–14
Souths def. Centrals 30–16
Western Lions and Norths drew 24–24
Reserve Grade:

Charters Towers def. Brothers 22–14
Western Lions def. Bowen 30–10
Souths def. Centrals 44–12
Ladies:

Brothers def. Charters Towers 24–8
Western Lions won by forfeit from Bowen
Next Round

This week was originally scheduled as a bye for all teams, but the first round—washed out earlier in the season—will now be played.

Norths will visit the Burdekin on Saturday in all three grades: A Grade, Reserves, and Burdekin River Women.

Charters Towers will also play Western Lions in Townsville on Saturday, while Souths will host Herbert River in A Grade on Sunday.
Brothers and Centrals have byes.

In Reserves and Ladies, Western Lions will meet Charters Towers, and Souths will play Herbert River Reserves.
Centrals will play Bowen in both Reserves and Ladies on Saturday in Bowen.

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