Roosters Fall Just Short In A Grade Thriller After Strong Weekend Across All Grades

The Burdekin Roosters came close to securing three wins from three matches against the Western Lions in Townsville last Saturday, winning the Under 19s 38–4, the Reserve Grade 32–24, before narrowly falling in A Grade 28–24 in a match decided in the dying stages.

In A Grade, a long-range penalty goal from halfback Jye Olsen gave Burdekin a 14–12 lead at halftime, but the Lions struck late to edge home in a gripping contest that saw momentum swing throughout.

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Coach Steve Lansley said his side produced a courageous performance but fell just short in a tightly contested match. Despite fielding three debutants and an 18-year-old front row, the Roosters showed strong determination against a more experienced Lions outfit. Their defensive effort stood out, repeatedly turning away attacking raids and refusing to yield in the middle.

The match remained in the balance from start to finish, with both sides trading tries and responding to each challenge. Burdekin looked capable of snatching victory late, but the Lions held on in the closing stages.

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While the result didn’t go their way, the performance highlighted promising young talent within the club. The debutants handled themselves well under pressure, and the youthful forward pack stood firm throughout. Best players included Cooper Fletcher, Jye Olsen, and Lachie Sheppard. Tries came from Jye Starr, Lachie Sheppard, and Terry Connors, with Olsen kicking 4 from 4.

Other A Grade results saw Souths defeat Centrals 24–8, Herbert River upset Brothers 26–20, and Charters Towers defeat Norths 40–20.

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Reserve Grade coach Peter Horan said his team started strongly with the right attitude, with Keon Noah scoring soon after kick-off. Burdekin led 22–4 at halftime and held on for a 32–24 win despite a tough second half. Horan praised the defensive effort, saying “defence wins games,” and highlighted strong performances from Talen Kerr, Ron Geia, Harvey Horan, and playmaker Dylan Doak. Under 19 players also backed up to fill the bench, showing strong club spirit. Tries were scored by Keon Noah (2), Morgan Noah, Ron Geia, K J Zaro, and Bokeem Moore Reid, with Doak kicking 4 goals.

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In Under 19s, assistant coach John Nash said the Roosters played as a team in a dominant 38–4 win, scoring seven tries to one. Burdekin led 22–4 at halftime and impressed with both attack and defence, though Nash noted occasional over-eagerness with ball movement. Kirk Viero returned after several seasons and was named players’ player. Tries came from Leylan Lampton (2), Chekayne Taiters (2), Kirk Viero, Riley Smith, and Calen Taiters, with Chad Fraser kicking 5 goals.

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Other Under 19 results saw Centrals defeat Norths 40–6 and Brothers beat Herbert River 48–20.

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The Roosters are not fielding a women’s team this season, though seven former players featured for other clubs over the weekend. Western Lions defeated Brothers 50–0, Souths beat Centrals 16–10, and Norths edged Charters Towers 16–14.

This week, Souths host Herbert River, Charters Towers travel to Western Lions, Brothers host Norths, and Burdekin take on Centrals at the Sports Reserve. With the Burdekin Growers Race Day also on Saturday, the Roosters requested a fixture change, but it was not approved. Final times were not available.

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Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

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