Sport
17 August, 2026
Bulls keep finals hopes alive
THE Mareeba Bulls have kept their slim finals hopes alive after securing a crucial 3-1 victory over the Redlynch Strikers at Borzi Park on Sunday.
With the Bulls needing maximum points to remain in the hunt for a top four finish, there was little room for error as they entered the business end of the season.
Mareeba settled into its rhythm early, controlling possession and looking to create opportunities going forward. Their persistence was rewarded in the 27th minute when Pozzebon found the back of the net to give the home side a valuable 1-0 advantage.
However, the lead lasted just seven minutes, with Redlynch responding through Miles Grey in the 34th minute to bring the scores level. Neither side could find another breakthrough before the interval, sending the teams into the sheds locked at 1-1.
Knowing anything less than a win would virtually end their finals ambitions, the Bulls lifted the intensity after the restart. The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Cummings put Mareeba back in front, giving the home supporters something to cheer about.
Just five minutes later, the Bulls struck again. Iacutone found the net in the 67th minute to give Mareeba some breathing room and establish a commanding 3-1 lead. As the match progressed, frustration began to creep into the Strikers’ game, resulting in a number of fouls as Mareeba continued to control proceedings.
The Bulls remained composed and refused to be drawn into the physical exchanges, protecting their two-goal advantage through to the final whistle. The 3-1 victory delivered three valuable competition points and, more importantly, ensured Mareeba’s hopes of sneaking into the final four remained alive.
While the Bulls still have plenty of work ahead of them and will need other results to fall their way, Sunday’s performance showed they are not prepared to surrender their finals ambitions without a fight. With the season rapidly approaching its conclusion, every point will now be crucial as Mareeba continues its late push for a finals berth.
The Bulls host the Comets this Saturday in another must win match. The game kicks off at 7pm.
