The Easter break has been an eventful fortnight for the Queensland State League, with the shock news that new club Southern Cross United will be dropping out of the league, effective immediately.
Financial problems have been cited as a contributing factor to the Brisbane club’s collapse, with many local businesses making sponsorship promises that could not be fulfilled due to the floods early this year.
United are hopeful of recovering and re-entering the league in 2012, while the club’s Under-19 team will continue to compete in the HQSYL this year.
Meanwhile, the Fire will be hopeful that their fortnight off has not slowed the momentum that is building around the club. With a four point competition lead, the Fire head north to Rockhampton to take on the struggling Capricorn Cougars on Saturday evening.
With only a single point from five fixtures, the Cougars faced a selection crisis in their last match against the FNQ Bulls with only 13 players available for the fixture. Capricorn also possesses the worst defensive record in the QSL, conceding 17 times in five starts. Against the free-scoring Fire, the Cougars will need to be on their guard early.
In contrast, the Fire have conceded a miserly two goals from six fixtures, an outstanding effort from a side that boasts plenty of talent and experienced heads in defence. Despite this record, the Sunshine Coast will be aware that their last road trip north ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against the FNQ Bulls in Mareeba. The Fire were slow out of the blocks in that match, and will be looking to be on their game from the opening minutes against Capricorn.
Kick-off for the Round 7 clash is set for 7pm on Saturday April 30, at Jardine Park in Rockhampton.
As for the Fire’s youth teams, the Sunshine Coast Under-19s will be confident of extending their four match winning run when they travel to Toowoomba on Saturday to take on the South West Queensland 19s. The Fire have shown great discipline and determination to grind out four consecutive wins, several times coming from behind to grab the points.
The Gympie Fire are also in action on Saturday, taking on the SC Zone 16s at home. With a fortnight to prepare, Gympie will be confident of securing a richly deserved first win as the team continues to improve week-by-week.
Kick-off for the Sunshine Coast Under-19s game is set for 5pm on Saturday April 30, at West Wanderers Ground in Toowoomba. The Gympie Fire kick off at 3pm on Saturday, and will be at home on the One Mile Ovals in Gympie.
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