Contenders grind out big victories
FOOTBALL: Sometimes wins don’t have to be pretty.
The early pace-setters of the Toowoomba Football League are showing that to win a premiership, you have to be able to grind out a result.
Gatton and Willowburn again highlighted this past weekend’s men’s third round, as both clubs continue their unbeaten starts to the season, while Chinchilla put the women’s competition on notice with a massive 13-0 win.
Gatton was forced to come from behind against St Albans to claim its 2-1 victory.
A rallying second half performance was key as the Redbacks overturned a losing scoreline from the first period, coming out of the break with a fire in their bellies to hit back with two quick-fire goals.
The Magpies too had their share of dilemmas against Rockville.
It was a similar story as Willowburn relied on two second half headers to secure a win against the side experiencing a change in fortunes from last season when it took the wooden spoon.
“They (Rockville) started pretty strong and got the early goal but we fought our way back into the game and played a lot better in that second half,” Willowburn coach Nick Rundle said.
Rockville’s turnaround comes as no surprise to the Magpies coach, who is expecting them to challenge at the top end of the ladder this season.
“I am not surprised to be honest knowing the recruitment they had in the off-season,” Rundle said.
“They have picked up a few players from other clubs and will be competitive.”
The win for Willowburn is its third in a row, starting the season off strongly as it remains in top spot.
“Champion teams find a way to win and sometimes you have to win ugly and that was very much the case,” Rundle said.
“We really had to grind it out and find a way to win and we are not renown for scoring goals from corners.
“Pre-season I said that Gatton would be the side to beat and I stand by that because they are a good footballing team and the results speak for themselves.”
Chinchilla was the stand-out side in the women’s round with its 13-0 win over USQ keeping the team in third. Hat-tricks from substitute Alyssa Cox and captain Jessica Bolewski sealed the win.