Football Matters with Cyclops

A very good weekend for the Panthers, winning four and losing just one of the five matches played. On Saturday, away to Saints Eagles Souths the Premiers won 2-0 but the Reserves 0-1. On Friday, in Townsville the Ladies defeated Wulguru 6-0, the Division 1 Men beat Warriors 5-2, and the Division 2 Men thumped JCU 7-0.

This Saturday is Ladies Day with the Auction kicking off after the Premiers match. The Premiers and Reserves are at home to Estates, the Premiers at 7.00 and the Reserves at 5.00. On Friday night the Ladies, are away to Saints, in Townsville at 6.30 and the Division 1 Men and Division 2 Men are also away in Townsville. The Division 1 take on Olympic at 8.30 and the Division 2 are up against Warriors at 6.30.

Premiers

The Ayr Anzac Club Premier League side was changed slightly which saw the starting debut for Cooper Kross. The game started well for the Panthers with good possession and healthy field position. A goal fell for Oliver Gabiola after about 20 minutes and spirits were high. Saints managed to create several opportunities during the first half but a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing kept them scoreless. Jay Leckenby latched onto a goal from very close in, after thirty minutes, give the Panthers a two goal lead and the Panthers played out the match without much further trouble. A good win that keeps Burdekin in fifth place and their finals hopes alive.

Reserves

Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves had another game with a different squad and with a record number of players out, lost 0-1 to Saints. Another game where effort couldn't overcome poor execution of passing and missing good opportunities to score. Saints took an early lead and were determined in defence. The Reserves couldn't get a goal despite several good scoring chances, including a disputable disallowed goal for offside. It is still possible for the Panthers to make the finals, but it will take better performances to make it happen.

Division 1 Men

The Austral Masonry Panthers were away to Warriors in Townsville and came away with a 5-2 victory. After being 0-2 down at half time the Panthers recovered in the second half to win 5-2 with two goals from Braydon Card and a goal each from Seaton Ivory, Seb Mio and Henry Fallon. This was a great win for First Division. Team worked well and made a comeback after being down 2-0 at halftime.

Division 2 Men

The C.A Contracting Funkies had a solid 7-0 win on Friday night vs JCU Riverway. The match was a very one-sided contest with Burdekin dominating the entire game and although scoring seven goals, missed many more through a lack of composure and wayward shooting in front of goal.

Riverway looked to counterattack a few times, but keeper Dave Bryen made a couple of great saves to keep a clean sheet. Well done to Jacob Rossato for scoring his first goal in what feels like decades. Chris Achille 2, Simon Scuderi 2, Nicholas Cathcart and Fengil Kanjoothara got the other goals for Burdekin. Burdekin moves to 5th and continues their push for finals against Warriors this Friday night, again in Townsville.

Ladies

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies delivered a brilliant performance against Wulguru. Zandi Bonanno opened the scoring just five minutes in, setting the tone early. Tahlia Lawson followed up with a well-placed finish in the 16th minute. Sienna Lago then took control, netting two goals before halftime to send Burdekin into the break with a 4–0 lead. The momentum carried into the second half, with Zandi Bonanno scoring her second goal in the 80th minute. Charley Ruskin finished the match, from the penalty spot, bringing the final score to a dominant 6-0 win. Outstanding effort. well done, ladies!

Juniors

A windy and chilly trip Saturday to Townsville for the Under 8s and up. Those with early games felt it! One more Townsville trip now for our Juniors in a few weeks’ time to round out the season up there. The Under 5s to 7s played in Ayr in similar conditions and of course had a ball! All junior teams are back in Ayr this Saturday with Townsville teams traveling down the highway.

Masters

Another good turnout on a cool winter’s evening. Spain beat England 4-1 with Jonty Davis, Man of the Match, after scoring a goal in the first half and making some good saves in goal in the second half. 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 former Nottingham Forest Manager Brian Clough, on looking after Roy Keane: "I only ever hit Roy the once. He got up so I couldn't have hit him very hard".

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