South West Queensland Thunder rolls through difficult year

FOOTBALL: It’s been a difficult year for everyone. COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of countless competitions and sporting events.

Jackson Franke takes a shot on goal for South West Queensland Thunder.

For the SWQ Thunder it meant a “hard reset” when the junior and senior competitions they line up in were put on hold.

Fortunately for the Thunder they were ready, they might not have known it at the time but they were ready.

Key personnel changes in the off-season have made a massive to the Thunder this and the club is enjoying the results on and off the field.

“It’s been a difficult year to say the least,” SWQ Thunder chairman Luke Stenhouse said.

“But I think we’ve seen some excellent results despite it all right through the club.

“The senior men took a bit of hit at the weekend with the loss to Logan despite playing very well, but overall they have been outstanding.

“The women should have a few more wins in what has been a good season for them as well and a lot of our juniors have had fantastic seasons.”

Stenhouse attributes the club’s 2020 success to having the right people in place.

“I think Jason Hall deserves credit for putting together a good line-up of local coaches this year,” he said.

“In the seniors Ivor (Prasad) and David (Park-Ballay) have made a huge difference.

“They’re proud, passionate and the players are responding to that.

“The same can be said of our junior coaches.

“I think the important thing is that pride, they’re all part of the Toowoomba community and they want to produce the results for themselves, the players and the community.”

This weekend the SWQ Thunder men face Sunshine Coast away from home.

Eager to get back on the winner’s list after their defeat to Logan Lightning, the men will need to wary of their opponents who are unbeaten in their last three games.

The senior women’s team are at home to Eastern Suburbs.

The Thunder will be riding high after their convincing 4-2 defeat of the QAS last week.

Originally published as South West Queensland Thunder rolls through difficult year