CDRL SURPRISE AS ROOS CHALLENGE TOP OF THE TABLE INNISFAIL

TRIED and true veterans have lifted lowly Kangaroos to a surprise 24-all draw against ladder-leading Innisfail at the weekend.

Sitting second bottom, the Roos jumped out to an early lead, catching the visitors offguard at Vico Oval in the first half.

Kangaroos coach Ben Laity said he was proud of his team’s performance despite failing to secure what would have been a memorable victory.

“We’ve had a lot of injuries and been relying on our 19s a fair bit all year,” Laity said.

“This week, I got a few older blokes in from reserve grade and their experience really helped out.

“The guys had a real crack and wanted to finish off the season well so it was a really good effort. I think we caught Innisfail off the bye and took them by surprise.”

The Roos were buoyed by two tries from Tobia Steven, who combined well with Patrick Lewis, but a fast finish from the visitors forced the draw.

Innisfail coach Leon Hallie praised the Roos’ intensity, forcing his side into uncharacteristic errors.

“I thought they were exceptional,” Hallie said. “Really, they did things to us that we should have done to them.

“Early, we rushed our attack too much instead of being patient.

“Our last tackle options weren’t that flash either.

“What we did in the last 20 minutes we should have been doing from the kick-off.”

Former Northern Pride star Brett Anderson’s influence helped pull Innisfail back into the contest late. “His experience rallied our boys,” Hallie said.

“He did some good things to get us back into the game.”

In other games, Mossman played a great first half to lead 26-12, but got run down after a dynamic second stanza from Brothers.

Tully also had the best of the first half against Ivanhoes, leading 4-0 before the visitors came from behind to win 18-10.