Sport
8 July, 2024
Gladiators notch win over Tigers
A CONVINCING win has kept the Mareeba Gladiators’ hopes of playing finals alive, taking down the Tully Tigers 46-20 at Davies Park on Sunday.
The victory will give the team and club the morale boost they need as they head into the last few rounds of the FNQRL A Grade season.
The game was a try feast for the home side, crossing the try line nine times throughout the match, with the first coming from centre Hubert Elu just eight minutes into play.
Three minutes later, Aiden Morgan crossed the try line after a great pass from Elu.
Tries then flowed, with Matthew Egan and Seamus King-Smith scoring, followed by Morgan who ended up with three for the match.
King-Smith notched up another try before the main break which had the Gladiators at 32-6.
In the second half, the Tigers came back into the game, with a few tries, but Morgan broke their momentum crossing for his third try.
Tully then pounded the try line but the Gladiators defence stood up, before the “little master” Elu scored again in the corner, and then again with only seconds on the clock.
Noah Blooranta did exceptionally well in the tricky windy conditions to kick five conversions throughout the match.
Coach Chris Sheppard was thrilled about his team’s performance telling the crowd that the club still have a chance of playing finals.
“We’re still alive,” he said.
Sheppard named Elu as Man of the Match.
In the reserve grade match, Tully, who are currently second on the ladder, notched up a big win over the Gladiators, 44-4.
The Under 19s, which are in third place on the ladder, notched up a good win, 28-22, with David Gela scoring two tries.
The Gators A Grade side has a bye this weekend but will be looking to win against Yarrabah (away) on 28 July, the Kangaroos at home on 3 August and Mossman in the final round at home on 10 August.
