Leps into final after thrilling comeback
INNISFAIL Leprechauns have snatched a grand final berth from right under the noses of Cairns District Rugby League A-grade minor premiers Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks, coming from behind to win 32-16.
The defending premier Sharks had lost only four games in the regular season, but sank to their fifth and most important defeat of the year at Barlow Park last night at the hands of the Leprechauns.
Mossman-Port Douglas were at their scintillating best in the first 40 minutes, with four tries spread across the backline, including a fourpointer to the season’s leading tryscorer Matthew Gibuma in his return from a foot injury.
Innisfail could only find the line once in the first half, with the Sharks holding a handy 22-6 lead at the break.
The second-half was a different story.
Whatever Innisfail coach Leon Hallie barked at his troops at half time had a profound effect, as Innisfail found their muscle up the middle to put on 26 unanswered points to sail to a 32-22 lead.
A late try to Mossman-Port Douglas’ centre Gabriel Bon, his second of the night, made things interesting with four minutes left. As the siren sounded in the background, the Sharks were on the attack and had a chance to force extra time with a converted try.
The Sharks were willing to throw it around, but some tidy scrambling defence from the Leprechauns ensured their victory. They will now have the week off to prepare for the grand final on Saturday, September 21.