Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Paul Smith/SWQ Thunder FC

Damage to Clive Berghofer Stadium has forced SWQ Thunder to cede home ground advantage in Wednesday’s Westfield FFA Cup match against West Wanderers.

Thunder have been unable to play at their regular home ground for several weeks after Clive Berghofer Stadium hosted Bikes And Bulls - a travelling show that blends elements of rodeo and motocross.

The damage to the playing surface was not a result of the event itself, but was inflicted by heavy equipment used to remove protective sand that had successfully safeguarded the field from damage throughout the performance.

The Westfield FFA Cup South West Queensland Zone Qualifier will now be played at West Wanderers Field 1 after neutral venues were unable to be secured.

Football South West Queensland Zone Administrator, Janelle Sothman, thanked both clubs for their co-operation with the late change of venue.

“All efforts were made to play at the original venue but it simply was not possible,” Sothman said.

“The Zone is grateful for the understanding of both clubs to accommodate the change of venue,” she added.

Bulls and Bikes is slated to perform at another PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland venue in June, when the show is staged at the Cleveland Showgrounds precinct, home of Redlands United.

Redlands officials stated that the event is not expected to impact on the Red Devils' main field as it will be hosted on the Western Arena, which is a multi-purpose field used by Redlands for training.

Westfield FFA Cup South West Zone Qualifying - Round 5

SWQ Thunder FC v West Wanderers
West Wanderers Field 1
Wednesday, May 13
Kick-off - 7:00PM