Roosters fall just short in Souths thriller as late surge falls two points shy

The Burdekin Roosters fell two points short of winning five A grade matches on end after going down to two-time premiers and undefeated this year Souths by 34 to 32 in Townsville last Saturday night.

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With recent wins over Centrals, Charters Towers, Herbert River and Brothers, the Burdekin Tyre Service Roosters went into the clash with the unbeaten Souths full of confidence of coming away with a win.

They did receive a setback when they lost key front rower Fletcher Cooper with a head injury and hooker Nash Beck attending a wedding, but coach Steve Lansley promoted under-19 stand-out players Chad Fraser and Tyce Cursio.

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Cursio was more than holding his own in the rucks until copping a very heavy tackle which saw him replaced, while Fraser went to the unfamiliar fullback role, but he too stood out, making some good inroads.

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After conceding an early try, the Roosters then played some entertaining football to score three tries and lead 14 to 12 at the break, Souths receiving two points from a conversion that was very suspect.

Souths started off the second session at a rate of knots, with the Roosters taking some time to switch on.

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By the time they did, the two-year premiers led by 30 to 14.

A great fightback then saw Jake Obren cross twice as well as Jye Olsen, and the Burdekin boys were well on top again, but time ran out and they went down by the two points.

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Coach Steve Lansley said the Roosters suffered a heartbreaking 34-32 defeat to Souths in a thrilling rugby league contest that went right down to the wire.

The Roosters showed plenty of determination throughout the match but ultimately paid the price for a costly 20-minute period where they struggled to complete sets and maintain possession.

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Souths capitalised during that stretch, building a lead that proved difficult to reel in.

To their credit, the Roosters refused to surrender.

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A spirited final quarter saw the side throw everything at their opponents, producing some exciting attacking football and demonstrating the belief and resilience that exists within the squad.

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The late fightback nearly snatched victory and showed what the team is capable of when playing with confidence.

Jake Obrien and Lachlan Buchbach were outstanding, leading the way with strong performances, while Adam Camer was safe and reliable at the back, defusing attacking raids and providing a steady presence under pressure.

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Tries: Jye Olsen 2, Adam Obrien 2, Malik Ogameni, Lachlan Shepherd. Jake Obrien 3 goals, Jye Olsen 1.

In other A grade matches, Western Lions beat Brothers 22-16, Charters Towers beat Herbert River in Ingham 26-10 and Centrals beat Norths 28-6.

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After scoring the first two tries, the Roosters reserves led 12-nil before allowing Souths to score and go to the break level at 18-all.

The scores were close for most of the second session until Souths received some penalties, allowing them to attack more with the Roosters defence tiring.

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Souths took the match 40 to 26, with coach Peter Horan saying his team didn't take enough chances when they were presented.

That, coupled with a lack of fitness, took its toll.

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Dylan Doak was the players' player for a top game, with Ron Geia the pick of the forwards and Prycev Gesah having a good one in the backs.

Horan also thought Llama Ghee had his best game to date.

Dylan Doak scored a try and kicked five goals, with Llama Ghee also scoring two and Ron Geia one.

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In other reserve grade matches, Western Lions beat Brothers 34 to 18, Herbert River beat Charters Towers 48 to 4 and Norths beat Centrals 28 to 26.

The Roosters under-19s had a bye, as did Herbert River, with Western Lions forfeiting to Brothers and Norths defeating Centrals 32 to 18.

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In the women's competition, Martina Monday scored a try as Western Lions defeated Brothers 20 to 4, with Centrals too good for Norths 50 to 6 and Souths beating Charters Towers 24 to 4.

There will be no games played in the RLTD this weekend, with games to continue the weekend after when the Roosters host Norths on Saturday, July 4. Charters Towers go to Brothers, Western Lions host Souths and Centrals play Herbert River in Ingham.

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Supplied by Brian Carnes

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