University have won eleven straight games and are looking the goods, especially with September action not too far off. Can the Stingers stop the University juggernaut or will Easts fly up at home?
Star forward Evan Cooper booted 9goals for the Cougars last week, which took his total to 31 for the season. Last time Stingers and Cougars faced each other, Cooper bagged 6 majors and Easts had no answers for this goal kicking machine. Callan Wilson would be the ideal match up for the Cougars key forward but then the Stingers lose Wilson's class in the midfield.
So, who gets the job on Cooper?
Angus Barnsley would be the other key matchup, he matches Cooper in size and footy smartness. Barnsley has got the job on some of the competitions key goal kickers this season; Matthews (Dalby), Reardon (Souths) and Ernst (Highfields). The Barnsley V Cooper match up, could be a match decider.
There are also a number of other key match ups right across the field, that will go a long way to deciding the outcome of this game.
Stingers Queensland Country representative in Eric Rattray is a well balanced footballer, his skills are very good, has a very big tank and can run all day, add to this his ability to switch between positions is also very helpful for the Stingers coaching staff.
Rattray may see himself going head to head with Cougars utility Abdullah Haddad, especially through the midfield. Haddad is very quick, agile and has exceptional skills. This one on one battle will be of giant proportion and again along with the Barnsley/Cooper battle will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game.
Easts Callan Wilson will also play an important role through the midfield, though suited more to a half back flank attacking role Wilson will need to go through the midfield to give Easts more class. Wilson is a hard running player that basically just doesn’t stop. His skills at times can be erratic but will be one to watch for the Cougars.
Lincoln Bouttell will more than likely be the man to get the job on the hard running Wilson. Bouttell is known for his ground work, in and under style footballer and is exceptional on both sides of his body. Wilson will need to be mindful when the Cougars go into attack, as Bouttell is a known goal kicker.
Definitely a game worth watching and one that you do not want to miss this round.
In other games Goondiwindi will travel to Owen Street Oval in Dalby to take on the powerhouse Western club of the Swannies in the Under 12’s and Under 14’s. Lockyer Valley will be looking to win at home against the Warwick Redbacks in the Under 12, 14’s and 16’s. Coolaroo will be hoping to stop Highfields from roaring at Kratzke Oval in all age groups and South Toowoomba host the Pittsworth Power in the Under 12’s at Harristown Park.
Don’t forget the next generation of footballers kick off at 8:40am with the Under 8’s and 10’s in action at Harristown Park, Gatton Showgrounds, Rockville Oval and Kratzke Oval – it might be cold but that doesn’t stop these superstars!!
Last Modified on 11/07/2012 08:42
