Football Matters with Cyclops

An average weekend for the Panthers, winning two, drawing one and losing two of the five matches played. On Saturday, at home against JCU Riverway, the Premiers won 4-2 and the Reserves drew 2-2. On Friday, at home the Ladies defeated Rebels 5-0, and in Townsville, the Division 1 Men lost 1-3 to Wulguru and the Division 2 Men lost 0-4 to Estates.

This Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are way to Saints Eagles Souths, the Premiers at 7.00 and the Reserves at 5.00. On Friday night the Ladies, are away to Wulguru, in Townsville at 6.30 and the Division 1 Men and Division 2 Men are also away in Townsville. The Division 1 take on Warriors at 8.30 and the Division 2 are up against JCU at 6.30.

Premiers

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers had a crucial clash against fellow top four contenders JCU and delivered a commanding 4-2 win in front of a vocal home crowd on Old Boys and Sponsors Day. The atmosphere was electric, and the Panthers responded early, controlling possession from the outset. Elliot Dal Santo marked his return in style, heading home a pinpoint Ryan Scodellaro cross in the 12th minute to open the scoring. Ten minutes later, Jay Leckenby added a second, latching onto a perfectly placed free kick from Matthew Walker to make it 2-0.

JCU struck back narrowing the gap to 2-1,but on the stroke of halftime, Matthew Kolb restored the two-goal cushion at 3-1.The second half mirrored the first, with Burdekin enjoying the bulk of possession while keeping an eye on JCU’s counter threat. Kyle Taylor made it 4-1 with a well-earned goal that took a cruel deflection past the keeper. JCU managed a late consolationvgoal, but the result was never in doubt. A trip to Saints awaits this weekend as Burdekin look to keep momentum rolling.

Reserves

Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves fielded a good squad, but this weekend’s home game started with a lack-lustre opening twenty minutes. JCU had more energy and took advantage of the Panthers mediocre quality passing to snatch an early lead. As the first half progressed the Panthers started to settle, asserted some territorial dominance, and began to threaten. Tarryn Smith finished off a good spell before halftime to level the score at1-1.

After the break, the game became more open with both sides finding opportunities but could not break the deadlock. Midway through the second half Riverway had a player sent off for striking but this only served to spur them on and they scored to lead 2-1. Burdekin attacked time and again and scored through Brayden Card in the 75th minute but could not find the net for a winner. The draw is a frustrating result, but the Reserves still have a chance to make finals if they can rally to have more consistent form.

Division 1 Men

The Austral Masonry Panthers played well under difficult circumstances, playing a man down for the first fifteen minutes. It was much appreciated that Travis Butler, Casey Calligaro and George Karagkiozis all helped out after playing their Division 2 game. In the first half there was some controversy with the Panthers scoring off a drop ball. In a show of good sportsmanship Burdekin allowed Wulguru an uncontested goal to

level the score and it was 1-1 at half time. Wulguru scored twice in the second half to win 3-1. Charlie Shears, Max Kelly and Casey Calligaro all played well.

Division 2 Men

The C.A Contracting Funkies lost 4-0 to ladder leaders Estates on Friday night. A horrible start saw the Funkies down 3-0 after about Twenty minutes after Estates continued to exploit their pace out wide and get crosses into the box. The Funkies improved after conceding these goals and a much grittier and resilient effort saw an even contest for the remainder of the game. A very late goal made it 4-0 but the Funkies can keep their heads up after the way the team rebounded after a bad start. Jarrod Dal Santo and Eugene Burelli worked hard in the middle for the Funkies.

Ladies

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies faced off against Rebels on Friday night and delivered a confident performance to secure a 3–0 win. Tahlia Lawson opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, giving Burdekin a 1–0 lead going into halftime. Just four minutes into the second half, Sienna Lago extended the lead with a brilliant finish. Tahlia Lawson then struck again in the 55th minute, sealing the result with her second goal of the night. A strong all-round effort from the team, well done, ladies!

Juniors

It was a massive weekend at Juniors. On Saturday, the regular fixtures were played with Townsville clubs travelling down. On Sunday the club conducted their annual carnival, with all age groups at maximum nominations! The weather was overcast but held off in the morning and the sun shone through around lunch time. Teams from Townsville, Ingham, Charters Towers, Bowen, and Airlie all made their way to Honeycombes Park for a great day of football and all the players had so much fun! A big thanks go out to the Junior Carnival Committee who made this day possible with all their hard work, and to all the volunteers on the day.

Masters

Another good turnout on a cool winter’s evening. In a replay of Saturday’s Mooney Cup, Rainbows beat Blue Balls 3-0, again. Man of the Match Tobin Stubbs scored twice with Adam Jarvis scoring the other goal. Monday Nights at 6.30. Be There!

National and International

The Matildas will be playing in the ASEAN Women’s Championship in Vietnam in August. Their first Group game is against Myanmar on 7th August; they then play Philippines and Timo-Leste.

The Socceroos next games are not until September when they play New Zealand in two friendlies home and away, on 5th and 9th of September.

The Quote of the Week is from ex Liverpool Manager Bill Shankly. “For a player to be good enough to play for Liverpool, he must be prepared to run through a brick wall for me then come out fighting on the other side."

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