The top 10 biggest soccer moments in Toowoomba from 2021
The Chronicle looks at the top 10 sporting moments from the year 2021 for each code. Today we’re looking at the biggest soccer stories from Toowoomba and the Darling Downs this season.
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AS 2021 draws to a close, The Chronicle looks back on the biggest moments across the sporting landscape throughout the year.
FOOTBALL
10. Saints claim Premier Men’s title
Toowoomba Football Leagues powerhouses St Albans and Willowburn produced a grand final for the ages.
Mannyx Smith had Saints on the front foot early with a goal in the 18th, but Willowburn showed patience and resilience before drawing level through Ada Harerimana shortly after halftime.
With the two sides level after 90 minutes extra time was needed and Saints striker Daniel Weber’s 94th minute goal proved to be the difference.
9. Willowburn leave it late
Willowburn’s Premier women had the premiership all but wrapped up inside the first 10 minutes of the grand final.
An early Courtney Morris double had the Magpies flying high but Highfields trailed 2-1 at the break.
When Marlina-Rae Pern drew Higfields in the 54th minute they took the ascendancy and they looked more likely to claim the title.
Willowburn know how to win the big games though with Morris (81st) securing her hat-trick and Hayley Gray (83rd) ending Highfields title hopes.
8. Ten goal salvo
Rockville Rovers striker Maddy Lockwood terrorised defences in 2021.
The former SWQ Thunder attacker scored 59 goals in 17 matches.
Lockwood scored nine hat-tricks in the season, but it was her round four 10 goal haul against USQ FC off the back off seven goals against Highfields the previous week that impressed the most.
7. Thunder fall short in final
Competing for a second trophy in as many seasons the Thunder did everything right in the first 45 minutes of the FQPL 1 grand final.
Gritty and determined in defence and quick on the counter attack they went into the break up 1-0 against the more fancied Brisbane City.
Unfortunately their first half counted for very little in the end with City storming home to claim a 4-1 win.
6. Young Magpies break drought
After more than a decade without success, a group of “great mates” broke Willowburn’s junior trophy drought.
Willowburn’s under-12 boys beat cross-town rivals West Wanderers on penalties to claim a welcome trophy.
5. Unbeaten season
Willowburn women’s 8-0 win over Hawks in round 18 capped off a memorable regular season for the side.
The win meant the Magpies went through the season with perfect 18-0 record – scoring 136 goals and conceding just 10.
4. Highfields men win
It was a long season for Higfields men with just and win and a draw from 21 games played.
Their lone win was a good one though early season ladder leaders West Wanderers 2-1 in round win.
Substitute Nathan Harvey scored the winner – his only goal of the season.
3. Nine goal thriller
SWQ Thunder and Holland Park Hawks produced a game of the year contender in round 15.
Hawks opened the scoring in the 23rd minute but the Thunder fought back to draw level and then secure a 3-1 lead.
An Aleksandar Krsic double had Hawks level 3-3 in the 58th minute but the Thunder finished strong to secure a 6-3 win.
2. Semi-final stunner
Highfields stunned Willowburn in week one of the TFL Premier Women’s finals.
In a thrilling end-to-end match Rahni Pritchard’s 78th minute strike secured a 2-1 win for Higfields.
The match could’ve easily been a five or six goal thriller with both sides guilty of missing clear chances and Willowburn hitting the woodwork on a few occasions.
1. Magpies swoop
They were facing an understrength West Wanderers outfit but Willowburn showed no mercy in round 17.
In an ominous warning to their rivals the Magpies were ruthless in their 20-0 win.
Chantal Frohloff and Courtney Morris scored five goals a piece and Zoe Doyle had four.
BASKETBALL
10. LOCAL INVOLVED IN COLLEGE CONTROVERSY
Former Mountaineer Jason Spurgin was inadvertently caught up in controversy as his Southern Utah college team faced off with California.
He made two free throws early in the second half, but only one was counted by the scorers, before his team went on to lose in overtime.
9. RILLIE’S OLYMPIC HONOUR
Former Toowoomba Mountaineer John Rillie was part of the finest ever moment in Australian men’s basketball.
He was an assistant coach as the Boomers finally ended their medal drought, winning bronze in Tokyo.
8. SCHOOL BASKETBALL DELIVERS
The Friday Night Basketball competition has been a staple on the Toowoomba Basketball calendar, bringing hundreds of juniors together to get involved in the sport.
Finals were cancelled last year due to Covid, but a big grand final night was on show this time around, giving the kids a deserved high to finish the year.
7. U12s SILVER PLATED SEASON
It was a strong year for the U12s boys, picking up a silver medal after a gallant campaign in the Southern Cup.
6. NEERS FALL AT FINAL HURDLE
The Mountaineers U18s boys enjoyed a near-flawless Southern Cup campaign, winning all 14 of their regular season games.
It booked them a spot in the grand final, where they fell just short against the Sunshine Coast, with Jolon Seaby’s 25 points per game leading the entire division.
A number of boys featured in the U16s fourth-placed division one finish.
5. GLADSTONE DOMINATION
While it wasn’t a banner season for the Mountaineers men, they had reason to cheer with a 51-point demolition job over Gladstone.
Josh Allen dropped 30 as they piled on the pain, with the women also winning their game by 30 points to give spectators at USQ plenty of reason to celebrate.
4. MOUNTAINEERS U14s GOLD MEDAL
While it was a testing time for the Mountaineers U14s boys, they experienced the high of a grand final win in the Challenge Cup.
The following week they found out their home state championships was cancelled.
3. MILKOS NAB TBL GRAND FINAL
It was a year of growth in the women’s game, capped off with the running of the Toowoomba Basketball League to round out the year.
2. GARDEN CITY TO HOST STATE CHAMPS
It was a bitter blow for the planning committee, but not all was lost, when later in the year Toowoomba was announced to get another crack in 2022.
The Garden City is set to host the U16s girls edition in April next year in what will provide a major economic boost for the town.
1. RAFTERY INDUCTED INTO HOF
It was a proud moment for Toowoomba Basketball when Barry Raftery was introduced into the Basketball Queensland Hall of Fame.
He was the first president of the TBA and inaugural coach of the Mountaineers, helping to put Toowoomba basketball on the map.
RUGBY LEAGUE
10. SCHOOLBOYS FIGHT HARD
Lockyer District SHS punched above their weight in the NRL Queensland Schoolboys Trophy, and booked their place in the grand final.
9. EMERGENCE OF YOUNG STARS
We’ve been blessed in recent times to see a wealth of progressive youngsters come through the ranks and do their thing every weekend.
With the addition of the TRL women’s competition, it’s added another layer and given another platform for the region’s most talented youngsters to ply their trade in the best regional competition in Queensland.
8. REP LIST CONTINUES TO GROW
With a wealth of young talent comes representative honours knocking, and that was no different in 2021.
7. DALBY DOMINANCE
Times are pretty exciting for the crew over at Dalby at the moment.
The Devils tasted success in both the boys U15s and U16s divisions, while their U18s were successful in their bumper TRL grand final over Highfields.
There’s plenty of players within those age groups on the cusp of higher honours, but if they can stick together through the years, Dalby will be an ominous force in the coming years.
6. CLYDESDALES GATHER MOMENTUM
Big moves were made by the Western Clydesdales this year as they push hard to return to the Queensland Cup in 2023.
It’s a big step forward in what is an essential pathway for the region’s players to aspire to.
5. SIMPKIN ENTERS THE BIG LEAGUE
Jake Simpkin became the latest Darling Downs player to make it to the NRL when making his debut for the Wests Tigers this year.
It was fitting that the Southern Suburbs junior lined up in the black and gold, but it serves as an inspiration for those looking to follow in his footsteps.
He looks set for another big season at Wests in 2022.
4. HIGHFIELDS BREAKS A-GRADE DROUGHT
It was a long time coming, but Highfields secured its first A-grade trophy at Herb Steinohrt Oval when defeating Goondiwindi in an entertaining Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy final.
The Eagles snuck into the final courtesy of a narrow defeat of Gatton the week prior, but were at their best against a credentialed outfit in the Boars.
It was just another chapter in what proved to be a tremendous rivalry between the two clubs.
3. TOOWOOMBA ADVANCES TO FINAL
It was a magical run for the Toowoomba Clydesdales this year that fell just short of being the perfect one.
It started with a surging performance that saw them claim the 47th Battalion, booking a spot against Mackay in the semi final of the XXXX League Championship, which led to some Chris Woodbridge heroics.
They tried hard in the final, but fell just short to the Brisbane Poinsettias in the final.
2. GATTON’S SPOT IN HISTORY
The Gatton Hawks will forever hold their place in Toowoomba Rugby League history, claiming the first ever senior women’s competition.
They set the benchmark throughout the regular season, going through undefeated, before Warwick caused an upset in the major semi final.
1. BOARS BACK ON TOP
The 16-year drought of Goondiwindi came to an end as the Boars proved successful in the TRL Premiership grand final.
They set the tempo early in the year, turning Gilbert Oval into a fortress and carrying that form on the road.
A dominant finals performance against Valleys secured their spot, and an equally brilliant first half in the decider against Highfields gave them their first title since 2005.
HOCKEY
10. YOUNG GUNS SHINE AT HOME
Toowoomba was treated to not only some of our own bright young stars, but the rising talent across the southeast back in October.
9. OLYMPIANS COME TO TOWN
Howard’s silver medal was a star of the show among keen juniors, who braved the windy elements to learn from the two national representatives.
8. NURSERY OF REPRESENTATIVES
The development of juniors through both the boys and girls grades has been something that Toowoomba Hockey has hung its hat on for many years.
7. TOOWOOMBA DOWNS QLD COUNTRY
On the same weekend as the U11s Invitational Tournament, our Toowoomba women mixed it with the best of Queensland Country.
A youthful squad had the guidance of some older heads, and it proved the difference as they were able to edge out the rep side in an entertaining clash.
6. JUNIORS STEAL THE SHOW
The Past High boys and Rangeville girls came away with victory in their respective grades, with the level of talent displayed highly commended.
5. BOYS CLAIM INDOOR TITLE
A number of outdoor players made the transition over to the indoor format, as Toowoomba went through the tournament undefeated to claim a gold medal.
4. DOWNS WINS SCHOOL TITLE
They won eight of their nine games to finish on top in a superb team effort, while the girls also performed strongly to end the tournament in fourth.
3. CLYDE PARK HOSTS QLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
It created a big atmosphere around the hockey hub, provided vital tourist dollars across town and gave spectators the chance to witness quality play across a number of days.
Toowoomba finished second and third respectively in the men’s and women’s divisions.
2. RANGEVILLE REGAINS THE THRONE
Their season wasn’t without its ups and downs, but Rangeville climbed to the top of the A1 standings once again.
Past High’s win in last year’s Covid Cup ended a run of three-straight titles, and they found themselves on the cusp of finals midway through the year.
1. RED LION CLAIMS THRILLER
The men’s A1 grand final had it all, from exhilarating goals through to some extraordinary defence.
Norths took an early lead, before Red Lion was able to fight its way back and eventually take out the win.
NETBALL
10. PANTHERS GO STREAKING
Spirits were high throughout the Ruby Series, thanks in large part to an incredible run by the Darling Downs Panthers.
A streak of eight wins from their last 10 games saw home games regularly at capacity and netball firmly in the spotlight.
9. TOOWOOMBA HOSTS ELITE TALENT
The Garden City played host to one leg of Queensland Netball’s ‘Born to Shine’ series held in September.
The Queensland Suns, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Queensland Sapphires and Pacific team all graced the courts of USQ.
8. PUSH FOR SAPPHIRE SERIES
The Darling Downs has launched a sustained push to enter into the Sapphire Series, if not this year than for 2023.
The growth of the set-up and club in recent times has lifted the professionalism, and they want to take advantage of that at the elite level of netball in Queensland.
7. YOUNG GUNS CROWNED
The next generation of Panthers proved they’re set to shine in the future, taking out the U17s Elite Premier League title.
It was a fitting reward for a strong season, made even better when Caitlin Fry was named coach of the year.
6. STOWER NAMED QUEENSLAND COACH
Bec Stower has been the mentor for the Darling Downs Panthers for years now, and off the back of her best season yet, she was given a massive honour.
The local was named as Queensland U17s coach for next year’s state championships, a role she is proud of.
5. SUPER NETBALL STARS
The efforts of our locals on the big stage haven’t gone unnoticed.
Mia Stower (Queensland Firebirds) and Ava Black (Sunshine Coast Lightning) have linked with Super Netball clubs for the new year, with Stower elevated to the Firebirds squad and Black a training partner with the Lightning.
4. PANTHERS MONKEY OFF THE BACK
The Panthers came into the 2021 season with an unwanted streak, lacking a win in the Ruby Series since 2018.
3. VICKI WILSON SUCCESS
Toowoomba was represented by three schools at the Vicki Wilson finals held in Brisbane earlier this year.
Fairholme had both junior and senior teams, along with Downlands (senior) and St Joseph’s (junior).
Downlands came away with a ranking of sixth best school in Queensland.
2. DUAL AUSTRALIAN REPS
Toowoomba can be extremely proud of the efforts of Ava Black and Kaylin van Greunen, chosen in their respective U19s and U17s Australian squads.
Black continued to excel for the Bond Bull Sharks, while van Greunen had a breakout year in the goal circle for the Panthers, earning her place as one of the most lethal shooters in the Ruby Series.
1. PANTHERS MAKE THE FINALS
It was touched on before of the losing streak the Panthers endured, which made their success in 2021 that much sweeter.
They were able to remain consistent throughout the year, competing hard and developing a mental toughness to be able to close out games.
AUSSIE RULES
10. REDBACKS BORDER BOILOVER
Warwick had lost its two previous meetings to Goondiwindi by a combined 79 points, including a loss the week prior.
That didn’t stop them from causing an upset in the first week of the finals, downing the Hawks by 10 points to advance to the next stage.
9. LEAHY REACHES 300
Jeremy Leahy has been one of the staples of football on the Darling Downs over the past decade or so, and he reached an incredible milestone midway through the season.
He notched the feat against the Bombers in July, adding another string to his career that includes two Holman Medals, a premiership and an Ellen McConochie Medal.
8. CROFT’S GOALSCORING FEAT
It’s amazing to think that just a few years ago Angus Croft was more suited to stopping goals in the backline.
This year he claimed one of the highest individual honours in the game, taking out the goalscoring title with 73 majors, bringing it up by kicking 11 of Goondiwindi’s 12 goals in their final game of the season.
7. REPRESENTATIVES GALORE
The Downs had a number of high level representatives showcase their skills on bigger stages throughout the season.
Draft hopeful Jack Briskey was named in the Allies squad for the U19s Championships, while Jayden Smith and Johnathan Leidig wore the red of South Queensland against their northern counterparts.
6. CROWS CLAIM CROWN
Some of the brightest young talents came together for the Darling Downs Crows as they made the journey east to compete with metro teams.
They were able to show up and show out, going on to win the division three title in the SEQ Juniors competition, setting the benchmark for the next crop of young guns within the region.
5. SEMI FINAL DRAMA
Coolaroo and South Toowoomba produced an instant classic as they looked to book their spot in the men’s decider.
Extra time was needed to split the two gun sides, with the Bombers pulling out enough in the end.
On the same day, it was Goondiwindi that came up trumps in the women’s prelim, knocking off South Toowoomba by four points on an incredible day of footy.
4. RYAN’S AFL DEBUT
There was a sense of pride in the air when Samson Ryan, former South Toowoomba junior and Toowoomba Grammar student, was chosen to make his AFL debut.
It came on the back of some solid performances at the VFL level, before he was given his chance on the biggest stage for the Richmond Tigers in their clash with St Kilda in round 15.
3. PAST GREATS HONOURED
AFL Darling Downs paid tribute to the trailblazers of the sport this season with its 50th year celebrations.
Past greats of the sport were honoured throughout the year, culminating with a big awards evening to announce the best team of 22 players on the Darling Downs.
Brendan Iles was named as captain, with John Green as vice.
2. BOMBERS GO BACK-TO-BACK
Things were looking shaky for the South Toowoomba Bombers in their defence of the Allieds Cup, as they mixed their form to start the season.
Things turned around, locking in a finals spot and eventually a position in the grand final against University.
A blistering final quarter saw them pull away from the Cougars, sealing their fate as back-to-back champions.
1. TIGERS CONTINUE THE STREAK
The cream always rises to the top, and that saying rings true with the Toowoomba Tigers women.
They were again the standout team of the season, losing just one game for the year to ease their way into another grand final.
They stood up when it counted, putting together their seventh straight flag to continue one of Toowoomba sport’s most dominant dynasties.
HORSE RACING
10. THE RISE OF JONES
We’ve seen young apprentice Angela Jones go to the next level right in front of our eyes.
She was in the top 10 of jockeys for last season’s Clifford Park premiership, incredible considering she had just 18 rides.
Jones leads this season’s premiership race with 17 winners since August 1.
9. STABBING VICTIM’S MIRACLE COMEBACK
Fitzroy Boy was the victim of a cowardly stabbing attack back in July, leaving fears he would never race again.
Goondiwindi trainer Barry Sheppard nursed him back to health, and he completed a wonderful comeback, winning in his return race at his home track, before coming up to Clifford Park and scoring.
8. SOXAGON ALMOST COMES UP MILLIONS
Mark Currie’s gelding finished off last year with a bang and kept that momentum rolling into The Buffering at Eagle Farm, booking his spot at the Magic Millions.
He lined up in the Cup, and went within a head of landing the prize in the $1m race, falling just short of Eleven Eleven.
7. ZOOM ZOOM
Nobody expected much from Zuma California at his race debut at Clifford Park. Well almost nobody.
Ben Dorries revealed trainer Cameron Richardson had a big windfall from the maiden event on October 30, bolting in by 6 lengths.
He’s gone on to run second in town behind the favourite for the 3YO Magic Millions Guineas.
6. HATCH GOES BACK-TO-BACK
Lindsay Hatch completed a double of training premierships when he took out the 2020/21 Clifford Park honour.
He finished the season with 30 winners at a strike rate of 28.3 per cent, including the 2020 Weetwood with sentimental favourite Jadentom, notching over $500,000 in prizemoney in the process.
5. KWT TAKES ALL BEFORE HIM
It was a season of dominance for Kyle Wilston-Taylor, winning both the jockey and apprentice title for Clifford Park for 2020/21.
He had an incredible 34 wins from 95 rides at a strike rate of 35.8 per cent. Wilson-Taylor has since moved up the ranks to the metropolitan grades.
4. POTENTIAL STAR CLAIMS WEETWOOD
There was hype around Apache Chase leading into the Weetwood, but big question marks on how we would handle Toowoomba’s feature race.
He did it stylishly, before embarking on a Sydney tilt at the $7m Golden Eagle, where he was far from disgraced in finishing fourth and taking his career earnings beyond the $1m mark.
3. HINGED AIMS UP
The former Toowoomba galloper had a near flawless record of five wins and two seconds from seven starts with Michael Nolan, before she made the move south to join Chris Waller.
Still part-owned by local Kim McCasker, she almost pulled off a major upset in the Group 1 Flight Stakes at Randwick, finishing a close-up second, before having no luck in the Thousand Guineas.
2. GIRLS RUN THE TRACK
Female riders have always held their own at Clifford Park, but on October 23, they completed a feat done just once before.
All seven races on the Saturday evening card were won by female jockeys, the first time it had been done at a TAB meeting since 2010 and only the second time ever.
It was repeated just last month on November 27, highlighting their dominance in recent times.
1. INCENTIVISE TAKES ALL
It was impossible to go past Incentivise as he captured the racing nation by storm.
Bred and trained by Steve Tregea, the gelding went on to win six in a row, before being transferred down to Peter Moody.
It was in Melbourne where he won three Group 1 races in succession, before finishing second in the Melbourne Cup.
A truly remarkable story.
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