Intense opener ends in a draw
STRATFORD’S season-opening contest with Leichhardt was billed as a potential FNQ Premier League finals preview and the Nick Brko Field clash delivered.
The first-round contest was played at a fast pace and high intensity, with a fair spread of injuries, opportunities and cautions as the title contenders traded blows.
Stratford scored first, had a man sent off then held on for a 1-1 draw as the energetic Leichhardt side came roaring back but fell short.
Marlin Coast captain Josh Purton was relieved his side was able to hold on.
“To come away with 1-1, we’re happy with that,” the central midfielder said.
“We knew Leichhardt are always going to be tough … so to come away with a point, considering we went down to 10 men, is an extremely pleasing result.”
Maclean Simpson was the hero for home side, capitalising on a sloppy clearance to put Stratford up 1-0 at the half-hour mark. But he almost became the villain when he was shown a red card in the 60th minute.
It opened the door for a Leichhardt comeback, which sprung into action when Simon Fernandez put away the equaliser with just 18 minutes left.
The teams traded shots in the final few minutes but neither could find the net.
Purton said mounting injuries and fatigue threatened to undermine the Dolphins’ defence but they hung on.
“It was a battle, you just had to pull through and work for each other. The ground was heavy we’re all a after the break.
“My legs are pretty much gone, a few of the boys were struggling and a few injuries came into play in the last 20 minutes, but we just had to slog it out. In the end it was a good result for both teams.”
Leichhardt defender Cristian Cueto said he and his teammates were disappointed they couldn’t turn their one-man advantage into three points.
“We can play, we enjoy the ball, but we didn’t do very good today,” Cueto said.
“We tried to be positive, motivate the lads, and try to get back into the match … and win but it is what it is. Nobody’s happy. We had one player more for about 35 minutes.”
Cueto said his side needed more time together on the training paddock and to build in confidence as they chase another top four finish.
Stratford now look forward to a week off, while Leichhardt will prepare for a home game against Marlin Coast.
The Rangers were beaten 3-0 by Innisfail United in their season-opener. little unfit
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SUNSHINE Coast golfer Lochie Coleborn was as surprised as anyone when he sealed the 2020 FNQ Open Championship at the Cairns Golf Club.
The 21-year-old from Mt Coolum Golf Club thought he’d been defeated by former Cairns junior Max Ford on the last hole, before going on to claim victory following a twohole playoff.
“I didn’t realise it was going to a playoff until after I signed my scorecard,” said Coleborn.
“I thought he sunk the putt on the last to win and I lost by one, but it turns out that we actually tied.
“It was kind of a bonus from there on in.”
With twilight falling at the Woree course, Coleborn birdied the second playoff hole to win the FNQ Open Championship, with Ford named the FNQ closed champion.
“It was a relief,” Coleborn said.
“It was pretty nerve-racking and I could barely feel the putter in my hands, but it was good to get across the line.”
Coleborn said he was happy with his performance in what was his first tournament since the COVID-19 shutdown.
Other winners from the weekend were Gavin Camilleri (B grade), Kevin Cluff (C grade), Tom Whittle (Juniors) and Peter Winfield (Seniors).