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The Queensland State League finally kicked off last weekend with some scintillating encounters. But if you didn’t make the games, fear not, The Football Sack has got you covered!
Capricorn Cougars 5 – 3 Bundaberg Spirit
It’s fair to say it wasn’t the best of seasons for these two teams last year, with both Capricorn and Bundaberg finishing equal last on the ladder and just four points apiece. The Cougars didn’t even win a game.
But on Saturday at Jardine Park the team from Capricorn kicked off the new season in the best way possible with an entertaining 5-3 victory over Spirit. In a sensational first half of football, all five of their goals came in just 45 minutes, with a hat-trick for QSL debutant Sander Waterland. Waterland showed immense skill on the night and got the home fans in raptures, ensuring he will be one worth watching this season.
The Spirit got on the board with three quality goals too, but chasing a 5-1 scoreline at halftime was always going to be a tough ask and though they scored two more in the second half, Bundaberg fell just short.
The only worry for Capricorn is the well being of goalkeeper Tim English who was hospitalised following a collision with Bundaberg players prior to Matthew Mill’s 78th minute goal.
FNQ Bulls 2 – 2 NQ Razorbacks
There’s no doubt North Queensland struggled in 2011. But in the first round of the QSL season at Borzi Park on Saturday night, they looked like they might pull off an unlikely upset to start their 2012 campaign.
Against last season’s finals contender, Far North Queensland, the Razorbacks took a 2-0 halftime lead, with impressive goals to Jae Eurell and Reece Edmunds.
Pacey senior Bull player Joe Rusch, who was in doubt following a back complaint the previous week, got FNQ back in the game with his 73rd minute effort.
But still, until the 93rd minute the Razorbacks led, 2-1.
Then Jamie Carroll stole the show to score in the dying minutes of the match, snatch a draw and send the teams home with one point each.
Whitsunday Miners 3 – 1 Sunshine Coast Fire
Whitsunday stormed the competition last year and fell just one game short of their first QSL Grand Final appearance. After having a taste of finals football last season, the Miners began their quest to fill the club’s silverware cabinet. Despite playing defending champions Sunshine Coast Fire, Whitsunday dealt with the benchmark side with ease, to cruise to a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon.
The Fire’s only goal of the afternoon came from an own goal from the Miners’ captain Brett Neeve in the early moments of the game. From there though, it was all one way traffic as Whitsunday silenced the Fire fans at Stockland Park.
By halftime a Mick Van Moolenbroek goal levelled the score before Matt Zappone sealed the victory with a brace in the second half.
But without some regular starters and fielding many young inexperienced players, Sunshine Coast are not worried by the early setback.
Brisbane Strikers 9 – 1 Gold Coast Stars
Brisbane Strikers suffered a crushing defeat at last year’s QSL Grand Final, but boy have they bounced back! And fast! The Strikers taught the Gold Coast stars a football lesson as they beat their southern counterparts 9-1, at Runaway Bay on Sunday.
Even with a host of new recruits, Brisbane cruised to a 4-0 half time lead. Fullback Jack Boxell was working well with dangerman and expert finisher Matt Thurtell throughout the match. The Brisbane Roar youth player bagged a total of four goals by fulltime.
Passionate Striker stalwart Ryan Mottin got a brace with goals in the first and second half, and Richter and King rounded out the Brisbane scorers. A handy own goal from Gold Coast defender Dakota Dixon-Smith helped the tally, and despite a well crafted late goal from Stars substitute Daniel Binja, the home team could barely keep their chins up at fulltime.
Brisbane will be looking to recreate their dominant performance against Gold Coast when they play Whitsunday this weekend at Perry Park.
Queensland Academy of Sport - BYE
Rank | Team | P | BYE | W | D | L | Points |
1 | Brisbane Strikers FC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
2 | Capricorn Cougars FC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
3 | Whitsunday Miners FC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
4 | NQ Razorbacks FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
5 | FNQ Bulls FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
6 | QAS Football | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
7 | Bundaberg Spirit FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
8 | Sunshine Coast Fire FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
9 | Gold Coast Stars FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |