Sport
3 May, 2022
Tableland Cup battle begins
A FULL house is expected at Mareeba’s Davies Park on Saturday night for the first game of the Tableland Cup between the Mareeba Gladiators and the Atherton Roosters.
A FULL house is expected at Mareeba’s Davies Park on Saturday night for the first game of the Tableland Cup between the Mareeba Gladiators and the Atherton Roosters.
The two rival teams play each other across all three grades including U18s and Reserves with A grade serving as the main match up.
While the Roosters are coming off a high after winning their last match against Ivanhoes 18-14, the Gladiators are looking to claw their way up after their 40-18 loss against the Kangaroos.
Mareeba Gladiators vice president Darrin Hastie predicts a “full house” for Saturday nights kick-off with plenty of support for both teams.
“As usual Mareeba and Atherton clashes are highly looked forward to as the local Tablelands clash,” he said.
“It’s going to be competitive, both sides are keen to get a win and get bragging rights.
“For sure there will be good turnout as usual - Atherton travels well to support their team so no doubt there will be a full house.
“The three grades are keen, no one wants to lose at their home ground especially against Atherton.”
The Roosters will be looking to defend their title after securing the Tableland Cup after last season’s games.
Roosters A grade coach Graham Clark said the Roosters will not be underestimating their town rivals on Saturday night.
“We are looking forward to it and despite how Mareeba have gone so far, we are looking at a really tough game,” he said.
“They scored the points against the Kangaroos so they have points in them and I think their aggression and defence will pick up – I am very wary of them and I am giving them 100 percent respect.
“At this stage it is worrying about our own backyard, making sure we are fit, we are working forward – we have two more players to come back that weekend so we will start heading towards full strength.”
