Hyundai Queensland State League – Round Ten Preview
Sunshine Coast Fire v Brisbane Strikers
Staff Reporter – Kane Frampton
Round Ten will see two old foes go head to head when the Sunshine Coast Fire host the Brisbane Strikers on Sunday afternoon.
The competition’s premier sides come into the match with differing formlines. Tyson Holmes bagged his second hat-trick in three weeks as the Fire ousted the Bundaberg Spirit 3-0 in Round Nine, a result which propelled the side further clear atop the HQSL ladder.
It was a welcome return to winning ways for the Fire, who came within seconds of losing their first match in Round Eight against Whitsunday.
The Strikers still hold second place on the ladder, despite falling to consecutive defeats against the Gold Coast Stars and the resurgent Whitsunday Miners in the last two rounds. Brisbane were kept scoreless in both of these matches, and David Large’s men will need to be on their game to find a way past the Fire’s frugal defence.
The Sunshine Coast have the better of the recent history between the two clubs, recording narrow 1-0 victories in both last year’s Grand Final and Round 1 of this season. The healthy rivalry between the clubs means that both teams always step up and deliver a great contest, and fans can expect Sunday’s match to be no different.
With Brisbane needing a victory to keep their hopes for the HQSL Premiership alive, the Sunshine Coast must perform if they want to keep a hold on their unbeaten streak.
Kick-off is set for 2pm on Sunday May 22, at Stockland Park’s Western Fields.
The Under-19s clash between the Fire and Strikers is also a top-of-the-table encounter, with the Fire setting the benchmark this season. Since opening the season with a scoreless draw against the Strikers, the Fire have gone on an impressive winning streak that they will hope to prolong as long as possible. Both sides will be fresh after having their Round Nine matches postponed, and will be eager to put on a show. Kick-off is set for 4pm, directly after the seniors’ games.
The Gympie Fire also had their last match postponed, and will have had plenty of time to prepare as they travel to take on the Gold Coast Stars on Sunday afternoon. Both sides have struggled so far this season, but the Gympie boys will be hopeful of getting a result on the road.
