Sunshine Coast FC travelled to Bundaberg to play the Spirit, with the reigning Premiers running out 4-0 over last year's wooden spooners. Young gun Tyson Holmes opened the scoring in the 18th

minute for the Coast side, before 2008 Hyundai QSL Golden Boot winner Shaun Blackman added a second just twenty minutes later. New signing Scott Rocker and striker Jai Cross both scored to make it 4-0 before halftime. A determined Spirit side emerged after the break and managed to keep Sunshine Coast FC scoreless in the second stanza.

 

NQ Razorbacks hosted Logan United, and it was the away side that got on the scoresheet first when new signing Reggie Davani scored within ten minutes of the opening whistle. However, the Razorbacks regrouped and hit back quickly through defender Lee Mayberry. Substitute Jake Navarro won the game for the home side fifteen minutes from time.

The experience of the Brisbane Strikers and the youth of Queensland Academy of Sport clashed at Perry Park on Saturday night as well. Strikers scored early through Luke Morley and never really looked back. Adam Webber managed the first hat trick of the Hyundai QSL season before Josh McVey scored a consolation goal for the QAS. Gareth Musson made it 5-1 in the final stages of the game.

 

Newcomers to the league, FNQ Bulls played their first game in the Hyundai QSL, losing 2-1 to Capricorn Cougars. Tristan Fraser scored for the Cougars in the third minute, before Steven Cater made history by scoring the Bulls' first ever goal in the competition. Michael Cay's goal, early in the second half, turned out to be the winner for Justin Kilshaw's men.

 

In the final game in the round, Redlands City Devils made the trip across Brisbane to play Olympic FC at Goodwin Park. It was a fairly one-sided affair with Olympic FC winning 4-0. New boy Alex Panic scored first, before the prolific Shane Coffey doubled the lead. Winger Andrew Oar scored the third, before midfielder Neil Monro finished the scoring ten minutes from time. Despite the loss, Redlands goalkeeper Mitch O'Brien had a great game between the posts in his Hyundai QSL debut.

 

Olympic FC coach Bobby Hamilton was pleased with the win and with his side's performance.

 

"There was a fifteen minute spell in the second half where we dropped off a bit but overall, I'm really pleased with the result."

 

"First game of the season, you never know what you'll be up against but I'm pleased we got a win tonight."

Word: Michelle Tobin

Picture: Keith Eigeland