Rejuvenated Lions roar to top of ladder
LEICHHARDT have bounced back from a lackadaisical laststart performance to storm to the top of the Premier Women ladder.
The Lions dismantled the previously unbeaten Innisfail United for a 5-1 win, a scoreline sure to send shockwaves around the league to the four teams in the title race.
Leichhardt assistant coach Dan Stowers said it showed just how much commitment paid off after finally getting the full squad together to train in the lead-up to the game.
He said it was the only way the side would get the consistency needed to secure their standing in the league and affirm their desire to win the premiership.
“I think they realised they need to pull their finger out,” Stowers said.
“I think a couple of weeks ago they were just slack, so they rose to the occasion after doing the things they were supposed to do during the week.
“I told the girls last week, no one really remembers who comes second, so if you want it, you’ve got to work for it.
“Over the weekend, they just went out and did it. Innisfail hadn’t been beaten yet, because they’re a good team.
“Even if we lost on the weekend, the fact everyone is putting in and giving it a go, that’s what it’s all about.
“You’ve got to be consistent and it’s not about whether you’re playing a lower or higher side if you don’t compete for the full 90 minutes.”
Stowers said the players had to be wary of a quick Mareeba side next round, who could be “very dangerous” on their home turf.