Bulls on Parade: Mareeba march to Preliminary Final, Dolphins dive into Strikers clash
Dylan Cumming double led the bull rush with Mareeba now marching on to an enthralling Leichhardt Lions Preliminary Final clash.
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Dylan Cumming double led the bull rush with Mareeba now marching on to an enthralling Leichhardt Lions Preliminary Final clash.
The Bulls’ right winger charged forward at every opportunity, slotting a fine cross to open the scoring late in the first half before unleashing a rocket into the post, giving the keeper no chance for his side’s second.
“He’s a great young kid,” Mareeba coach Kane Alderton said.
“Last year he was our top goal scorer. He’s taken a bit to find his stride, but now he’s found his goalscoring form and hitting his straps at the perfect time of the season. I have to remind him every now and then that there’s a job defensively, but offensively I just let him do his thing, and both his goals were top finishes.”
Alderton said veteran midfielder Wayne Srhoj coming off injured in the opening minutes was a huge blow, but Alex Plowman and Robert Iacutone were strong in filling the void.
“I was pleased with the effort and commitment from the boys, and I thought defensively we were strong,” he said.
“We spoke about closing the gaps and winning the second ball at halftime. Alex and Victor Madrid at the back both really stood out and took control. To hold a strong side like Edge Hill scoreless was really pleasing. They’ve got a great young squad; if they can keep that young core together, Edge Hill has got a bright future.”
Tigers’ top scorer Patrick Ballarin (12 goals) struggled to have an influence on the game, often isolated as the lone striker.
Both Edge Hill Tigers centre-halves, Liam Cashmere and Harri Jones, were fierce in defence and performed admirably, while emerging star Travis Pershouse was classy in midfield.
With only one grand final spot up for grabs in the men’s and women’s competitions, the Preliminary Final heads back to Endeavour Park for back-to-back do-or-die showdowns.
The Lions await a mounting Mareeba, following their 1-2 loss to Marlin Coast Rangers. Despite finishing two spots below Leichhardt on the league table, Mareeba recorded a 4-2 victory against the Lions in their last meeting.
Meanwhile, the Women’s competition offers an exciting matchup with Redlynch Strikers taking on the Stratford Dolphins.
Redlynch will be looking to avenge both their tough 7-0 result against a dominant Edge Hill side that has been invincible this season, and their 3-0 loss to Stratford in their previous encounter.
The Dolphins’ statement 5-2 victory over Southside Comets makes this clash even more anticipated.
Attackers Daly Collis and Uli Fehlbergg were both sensational in the victory, scoring two each and terrorising the Comets defence.
Redlynch Strikers will get a second crack at finals with their match against Stratford Dolphins, Saturday at 4:00 PM at Endeavour Park.
After marching past Edge Hill United, Mareeba Bulls will take on Leichhardt Lions this Saturday at 6:30 PM at Endeavour Park.
Mareeba march into Edge Hill showdown
FQPL Far North contender Mareeba Bulls have scraped into the finals by the skin of their teeth but won’t die wondering against the Edge Hill Tigers this Saturday at Endeavour Park.
The Bulls secured the fourth spot, edging out the Southside Comets by one point following impressive victories against the Stratford Dolphins and Marlin Coast Rangers to close out the home and away season.
Now, they will face off against the Tigers — in an elimination clash — a team they drew 0-0 with just over a fortnight ago. Mareeba coach Ange Serafin said he was excited for the huge finals match after ending the home and away season in fine form.
“On any given day, we’re capable of matching any team,” he said.
“It’s just a matter of going out there and putting together a 90-minute performance. Anything less in finals isn’t going to get the result. We make sure everyone’s working hard for each other and holding their teammates accountable. We’ve got a lot of experience in defence and midfield, with a strong mix of experience and youth.”
The Bulls will rely on former Olyroo and Perth Glory midfielder Wayne Srhoj to lead the line, while young guns Kalan Prizmic and Robert Iacutone will bring composure and a strong work rate to the team.
Prizmic has had a strong season at left back, while box-to-box midfielder Iacutone has been pivotal to the Bulls’ spine.
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ lethal attack includes proven goalscorers Patrick Ballarin, Josh Lawesson and Ruqi Clyde.
Edge Hill Tigers have achieved success this season by inverting fullbacks, particularly rising star Victor Gill, who comfortably builds from the back and overloads the midfield while patiently controlling possession.
“We’ve come up against them three times this season, and they like to overload the midfield,” Serafin said.
“Coming into any game, opposition teams have different styles, but communication is key. It’s about having the confidence to pass players on and not getting drawn into their style of play. We don’t like to sit back in defence, but we’re not a high-pressing side either. If a team plays out from the back, we force them in a direction we want them to go and pin them into a corner.”
Elsewhere, the Leichhardt Lions, who finished second, are set to meet the league winners Marlin Coast Rangers in what promises to be a high-stakes semi-final.
Both matches will be played at Endeavour Park, kicking off at 4:45pm on Saturday.
Edge Hill Tigers women will battle against Redlynch Strikers women following the match at 7:15pm on Saturday. Stratford Dolphins women will take on Southside Comets at the same time, with both games also at Endeavour Park.
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