Sport
24 August, 2026
Bulls keep finals hopes alive
THE Mareeba Bulls have kept their slim finals hopes alive after producing a strong second half performance to defeat the Southside Comets 2-0 at Borzi Park on Saturday night.
With the race for the top four entering its final stages, Mareeba went into the contest knowing anything less than three points would effectively end their finals ambitions.
While their fate remains dependent on other results falling their way, the Bulls did what they needed to do and ensured they remain in the conversation. The opening half proved to be a very even contest, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage.
Southside matched Mareeba across the park and made life difficult for the home side, while the Bulls struggled to turn their possession and opportunities into a breakthrough. The teams went to the sheds locked at 0-0, leaving Mareeba with plenty of work to do in the second half.
Whatever was said at the break appeared to have the desired effect, with the Bulls lifting their intensity and beginning to take greater control of the contest. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 60th minute through Leon Peressini. The Mareeba striker found the back of the net to give the Bulls a crucial 1-0 advantage and breathe new life into their finals push.
Southside continued to battle and remained within striking distance, ensuring the Bulls could not afford to relax as the match entered its closing stages. With five minutes of regulation time remaining, Peressini struck again. His 85th-minute goal gave Mareeba some much needed breathing space and effectively secured all three points for the home side.
The 2-0 victory keeps the Bulls’ season alive, although they will need more than just their own results to go their way if they are to complete an unlikely charge into the finals. There will be little time for Mareeba to celebrate, with the Bulls facing a crucial catch-up match against Marlin Coast Rangers this Wednesday night at Borzi Park.
The match kicks off at 6.30pm and presents the Bulls with arguably their toughest challenge as they attempt to keep their finals hopes alive. Marlin Coast Rangers have already secured the premiership, meaning the pressure will be firmly on Mareeba to collect another valuable three points.
While the Rangers may have already wrapped up top spot, the Bulls cannot afford to take anything for granted against the competition’s benchmark side. After a season in which Mareeba has gradually improved and produced some impressive results, the Bulls have at least given themselves a chance heading into the closing stages of the competition.
Peressini’s double against the Comets once again proved decisive and ensured Mareeba’s finals dream remains alive. For the Bulls, the equation is now simple: keep winning, starting with Wednesday night’s showdown with the premiers.
