Thunder roll forward

Club produces on and off field despite COVID difficulties

It’s been a difficult year for everyone.

COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of countless competitions and sporting events.

For the SWQ Thunder, it meant a “hard reset” when the junior and senior competitions they line up in were put on hold.

Fortunately for the Thunder, they might not have known it at the time but they were ready.

Key personnel changes in the off-season have made a massive difference to the Thunder this season and the club is enjoying the results on and off the field.

“It’s been a difficult year to say the least,” SWQ Thunder chairman Luke Stenhouse said.

“But I think we’ve seen some excellent results.

“The senior men took a bit of hit at the weekend with the loss to Logan despite playing very well, but overall they have been outstanding.

“The women should have a few more wins in what has been a good season for them as well, and a lot of our juniors have had fantastic seasons.”

Stenhouse attributes the club’s 2020 success to having the right people in place.

“I think Jason Hall deserves credit for putting together a good line-up of local coaches this year,” he said.

“In the seniors, Ivor (Prasad) and David (Park-Ballay) have made a huge difference.

“They’re proud, passionate, and the players are responding to that.

“The same can be said of our junior coaches.

“I think the important thing is that pride, they’re all part of the Toowoomba community and they want to produce the results for themselves, the players and the community.”

This weekend, the SWQ Thunder men face Sunshine Coast away from home.

Eager to get back on the winner’s list after their defeat to Logan Lightning, the men will need to wary of their opponents who are unbeaten in their past three games.

The senior women’s team are at home to Eastern Suburbs.

The Thunder will be riding high after their convincing 4-2 defeat of the QAS last week.