Hyundai Queensland State League – Round Twenty
North Queensland Razorbacks v Sunshine Coast Fire
Saturday, August 7 – 7.30pm
Kane Frampton – Staff Reporter
After making certain of a second HQSL Premiership trophy last weekend, the Sunshine Coast Fire will travel to Townsville on Saturday with revenge on their mind.
The North Queensland Razorbacks were the first team to taste victory over the Fire in 2010, coming home from Kawana in Round 13 with a 2-1 triumph, and ending the Fire’s winning streak at 12 games.
The Razorbacks played disciplined, counter-attacking football in that game, stifling the Fire’s attack and causing them to run out of options.
Although making amends for that performance will be strong motivation for the Fire this weekend, top priority must be making sure that all players are adequately rested for a tilt at the finals series.
Last weekend’s 5-1 disposal of the Whitsunday Miners ensured an insurmountable competition lead for the Sunshine Coast, making the next two fixtures dead rubbers. However, the Fire will be hoping to continue building positive momentum as the regular season comes to a close.
But with a Major Semi-Final against the Brisbane Strikers confirmed for August 29, the Fire have four weeks to freshen up and prepare, and coach Aston Bell will possibly take the opportunity to leave some of his players at home this weekend.
As for the depleted Razorbacks, repeating their Round 13 win will be a tall order.
The Townsville-based club are in the midst of a frustrating run of draws, with the team sharing the spoils against the FNQ Bulls, Whitsunday Miners and Queensland Academy of Sport in the previous three rounds. In each of these fixtures North Queensland have relinquished a lead, which must surely be of concern heading into what is a crucial match for the team.
The Razorbacks are currently in fourth-place, three points adrift of the FNQ Bulls in third. With the Bulls facing a trip to Perry Park to face the red-hot Brisbane Strikers this weekend, the Razorbacks will be hoping to capitalise on this and reduce the current deficit.
Kick-off for the Round 20 match between the Fire and Razorbacks is at 7.30pm on Saturday, August 7, at Brolga Park in Townsville.
The Under-19 Fire have a bye this weekend, after returning to the winners list with a 7-3 win over South West Queensland. The bye means the Fire have a fortnight to prepare for their crucial fixture with the Bundaberg Spirit, where victory will all but guarantee a second place finish for the team.
