With a third HQSL Premiership already in the bag, the Sunshine Coast Fire’s attention will now turn towards securing a third Premiership/Championship double.
The first step for the Fire is to get the better of the Brisbane Strikers over two legs in the Major Semi-Final, with the winner claiming hosting rights for the Grand Final. The loser will have to back up in the Preliminary Final to earn a spot in the final two. The Major Semi-Final first leg will be played at Perry Park this Saturday night.
At Sunshine Coast Stadium last Friday night, the Fire were clinical in front of goal on their way to a Premiership clinching 4-3 win. Despite a nervous start, the Sunshine Coast opened the scoring 10 minutes in through Jason Hicks, before leading 3-1 at half-time. A late surge from the Strikers fell short, and the Fire claimed their second victory of the year over their Brisbane rivals, and a third Premiership in four years.
With a mobile forward pairing in Gareth Musson and Jason Hicks as well as the side’s usual strength in midfield, the Fire were too slick in attack against Brisbane and were devastating on the break. Apart from a few lapses, the Fire showed their usual class in defence and stuck to Brisbane’s attackers with discipline. In the absence of leading scorer Matt Thurtell, Sean Burke partnered Chris Di Sipio in attack for the Strikers, with Burke scoring two of his side’s three goals. The Fire will be looking to reduce his influence on Saturday night.
Missing key players, Brisbane will need to raise a special effort in front of their home crowd to come out on top. Their last match at Perry Park resulted in a disciplined 2-1 victory over the Whitsunday Miners, and the team will need to find similar form on Saturday. Strikers coach David Large admitted his side’s defensive performance against the Fire was one of the worst he had seen all season, which the side will surely address during the week. The absence of Nick Robinson through suspension after being sent off last week will not help matters.
As for the Sunshine Coast, the side will need to maintain composure in front of vocal opposition supporters. Perry Park has been a happy hunting ground for the Fire in recent times, with the side claiming 1-0 victories in both last year’s Grand Final and Round 1 of this season. The Strikers will be out for revenge at home, and fans can expect a battle on Saturday night.
Kick-off for the Major Semi Final first leg will be at 7pm on Saturday night, at Perry Park in Albion. The return leg is set to be played at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday August 14.
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