Leckenby Scores Hat-Trick As Panthers Premier’s Triumph Over Saints Eagles

Jay Leckenby scored a hat trick in the first twenty-five minutes of the Premier’s clash with Saints Eagles Souths. Photo supplied

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The Premiers clash against Saints Eagles Souths had everything. Goals galore, yellow cards, red cards, a mini riot, and twelve minutes of added time.

The Panthers started well with Jay Leckenby scoring a hat trick in the first twenty-five minutes. Antoine added a fourth from the penalty spot and the Panthers went in at half time leading 4-0.

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Matthew Kolb made it 5-0 midway through the second half and then, a few minutes later, it all went pear shaped. A spate of yellow and the red cards saw the Panthers reduced to eight men as Saints scored three times, whilst having two men sent off.

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The mini riot meant twelve minutes of time added on and the Panthers were relieved to hear the final whistle.

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Football Matters with Cyclops

Seniors

A better weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. The Club had five senior games, winning two drawing one and losing two. The Premiers and Reserves were at home to Saints Eagles Souths with the Premiers winning 5-3 and the Reserves also winning 5-3. The Division 1 team lost 0-3 to Brothers and the Division 2, lost 0-4 to Brothers. The Colts drew 1-1 away to Warriors. This week only three teams are in action. On Friday, the Colts are at home to MA Olympic at 6.30 and on Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are at home to Rebels at 7.30 and 5.00.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

In a recurring theme the Reserves team took the field with another changed side due to absence, injury, and suspensions. This week saw a young midfield shored up by an experienced backline and the Panthers got off to a good start with a goal to Jack Gimson after 11 minutes. Whilst Burdekin had begun playing well, they slumped for about 15 minutes losing possession and making poor choices for passing. Saints were invited back into the game and scored an equaliser. That galvanised the Panthers and they dominated the rest of the half scoring four goals in 20 minutes. Jhett Jones, Cooper Kross, Oscar Licciardello and even Leighton Gallagher provided the finishes. The second half should have been more of the same, but it was a poor showing littered with mistakes. Burdekin conceded two goals within ten minutes but steadied to hang on for a 5 - 3 win. A win is a win!

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Division 1 – Austral Masonry

The Division 1 boys, away to Brothers, were down on numbers with fortunately a few Funkies thankfully helping out. The Panthers dug deep with some incredible goalkeeping from Seaton Ivory to keep them in the game. It was not until the 70th minute that Brothers managed to break the deadlock. A few chances to either side after that, and the final score ended up as a 3-0 loss for the Burdekin side.

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Division 2 – RG Customs

The Funkies had their toughest game of the season so far against Brothers on Friday night. Burdekin were ready for a fight and started the game well, but Brothers got goals at regular intervals to win 4-0, a scoreline that doesn’t truly reflect the Funkies’ performance. Burdekin’s effort and fight was there for 90 minutes. The team created several chances early on, but could not convert. Brothers finished off a good move to open the scoring in the first half before a penalty just before halftime really stopped the momentum the Funkies were building. Two more goals in the second half resulted in the 4-0 scoreline. Nicholas Cathcart was very dangerous for the Funkies, flying past his defender numerous times and creating chances. Jake Lacey and Jarrod Dal Santo also had very strong games. Bryce Davies made a couple of very good saves whilst filling in as goalkeeper.

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Colts – Astute

The first away game for the Colts this year, on a cool windy night in Kelso. The Burdekin team started strongly, dominating possession and creating chances in a cagey first half, and somehow clearing the ball off the line to keep the score level. Coming out after half time Warriors started strongly and went up 1-0, but that only made the Colts lift. After going a goal down, they dominated the rest of the game, with a nice finish from Cooper Kross bringing the score back to 1-1. The Colts pushed hard, hitting the woodwork and forcing the Warriors goalkeeper into some good saves; however, they could not get that winning goal, ending the game 1-1 against the reigning premiers.

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Masters

The Masters had a good turnout in perfect conditions and in a pre-play of the coming up friendly against Mexico, Australia lost 6-7 after a 2-2 tie at half time. Best players on the night were Bryce Davis and Jack Moustoukas. The night’s Magic Moment was Riley Granshaw, failing to beat the Red goalkeeper from one metre. The Masters play every Monday night. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick Off.

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Juniors

The Junior soccer season continued over the weekend with the U8–U12 teams travelling to Townsville for another exciting round of games on Saturday. Players showed great enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship across the day, continuing to build their skills and confidence each week.

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After a two-week break, the U15's played Round 3 against MAO. The first half was dominated by the Panthers with a goal in the 11min by Lincoln Innes. Unfortunately, MAO fought back in the second half to win 2-1. The team played good football despite the loss.

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The Round 1 match against Rebels, which had been postponed, was played on Sunday at International Park. Emmaneul Mio dominated on the field with three goals in the first half. The second half saw him put two more in the back of the net. With a great assist from Annan Power, Emmaneul got his 6th goal. Cecil Badza Gwarada also found the net giving the Panthers a 7-1 win. These young Panthers are all fired up now for the season.

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Back at home, our U5–U7 players enjoyed local games, with plenty of smiles, energy and fun on display. It’s fantastic to see our youngest players developing their love for the game while supporting one another on the field.

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National

The A League Men’s season has reached the final stages. In the semi-finals, second leg, Auckland beat Adelaide 3-1 in Adelaide and advance to the Final where they will play Sydney FC who drew 1-1 at Newcastle. The Final will be played in Auckland on Saturday 23rd May. In the A League Women’s Final, Melbourne City defeated Wellington Phoenix 3-1.

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International

Various European Finals start this week with the Europa League Final, Freiburg v Aston Villa on 21 May, followed by the Conference League Final, Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano on 28 May. The Big One, Champions league Final, Arsenal v PSG is on31 May.

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