Sunshine Coast FC Fire put their best foot forward on the Australia Day long weekend, proudly representing the region’s football community in a local battle of the codes at the annual Ettamogah Pub Australia Day Dunny Races.

The race pitted the footballers against local rugby league and AFL clubs as they hauled a traditional Aussie outhouse on wheels across a 200 metre course at the iconic Sunshine Coast landmark.

The Fire were represented by Under 16’s coach and SCFC Academy Director Ben Cahn, as well as senior men’s players Chiharu Kosuge, Alex Barlow, Reyze Kelly and Paul Arnison (pictured).

Confident of their chances in the opening heat against local rugby league side Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles, Fire’s hopes of victory were flushed as the league lads rolled ahead in the final stages of the race.

Fortunately, Fire benefitted from the forfeiture of another side to progress straight to the semi-finals of the event.

The Fire faced three time champions Maroochydore Roos AFL club in the final race, eventually losing in a re-race after the first run resulted in a dead heat.

Cahn good naturedly questioned the dead-heat decision post-race, saying, “I am sure we won by about a foot but the referee called it a dead heat.”

“None of us expected hauling a toilet to be as tough as it was; and the thought of going for a second race sent our enthusiasm swirling down the drain,”

Despite not taking out the title, Cahn said the team had learned vital lessons in the competition and was looking forward to contesting the event again in the future.

“While we were disappointed to lose, we will be practicing to come back faster and stronger next year and be crowned dunny racing champions of the world,” he stated confidently.

View video from the event here courtesy of Sunshine Coast Fire:

 

 

Words: Emily Wilson (Sunshine Coast FC Fire)
Image: Kevin A'Herne-Evans (Sunshine Coast FC Fire)