Sport
29 June, 2026
Bulls topple Egde Hill at home
THE Mareeba Bulls have announced themselves as genuine contenders in the second half of the season after producing a disciplined and determined 3-1 victory over Edge Hill Tigers at Borzi Park on Saturday night.
Having struggled against the Tigers in recent meetings, the Bulls turned the tables with arguably their most complete performance of the year, combining resolute defence with clinical finishing to secure a memorable home win.
The opening stages were played at a frantic pace, with both sides creating opportunities as they searched for an early breakthrough. Neither defence gave much away, but the Bulls gradually settled into their rhythm and began to take control of possession.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 31st minute when Leon Peressini found space inside the penalty area and calmly slotted home to hand Mareeba a deserved 1-0 advantage. The goal capped an impressive first-half display and sent the hosts into the break with confidence.
Edge Hill responded strongly after halftime and looked every bit the quality side they have been throughout the season. Their pressure eventually paid dividends when Kyle Willis equalised, setting up what appeared destined to be another frustrating finish for the Bulls.
In previous weeks Mareeba had struggled to maintain their composure late in matches, but Saturday night was different. Rather than retreating, the Bulls stuck to their game plan, defended with purpose and continued to attack with belief.
That confidence was rewarded in the 78th minute when Darcy McCormack unleashed a superb strike that restored the Bulls' lead and ignited the home crowd.
With Edge Hill pushing numbers forward in search of another equaliser, Mareeba sealed the result four minutes from full-time. Peressini struck for his second goal of the evening, finishing off a flowing attacking move to cap a deserved 3-1 victory and continue the Bulls' climb up the competition ladder.
Bulls coach Victor Madrid praised his side's commitment and said the performance showed just how far the team had progressed.
"That was the most complete performance we have had all year," Madrid said.
"I'm disappointed we conceded because it was a silly goal, but we've been working hard, especially off the ball, and it showed tonight what we can do as a unit. The boys will now have the belief that they can compete with the best teams."
Madrid admitted he is still developing as a coach but believes both he and his players are improving together.
"My coaching journey is still young and I'm still learning, but we seem to be on the right track and at the right time of the season."
Edge Hill coach Ryan Murray conceded the Bulls deserved the points after making the most of their opportunities.
"We know playing Mareeba is always a tough game," Murray said.
"We both had key players missing, but they took their chances inside the eighteen-yard box while we didn't. They deserved the win.
"We've got a very good group and we've been playing well, but we didn't turn up tonight and got punished. We'll regroup, put this result behind us and keep pushing until the end of the season."
For the Bulls, the victory was more than just another three competition points. It was a statement that the belief growing within the squad is translating into performances capable of matching and defeating the competition’s strongest sides.
The Bulls will now have another tricky match this weekend as they take on the Leichhardt Lions at Borzi Park from 7pm.
