Good Friday game a first

1st April 2010


FOR the first time that Capricorn Cougars chief executive Bevan Dingley can remember, Rockhampton has a major sporting event on Good Friday.


FOR the first time that Capricorn Cougars chief executive Bevan Dingley can remember, Rockhampton has a major sporting event on Good Friday.

The Capricorn Cougars host the Whitsunday Miners in a Central Queensland derby in the first home game of the season for the Rockhampton-based soccer club.

Mr Dingley said the Cougars moved the clash to Good Friday to recognise the achievements of local soccer club Nerimbera which has reached its centenary.

And in another first for the region there will not be any alcohol sold at tomorrow’s game at Ryan Park due to licence restraints on the Good Friday holiday.

Mr Dingley said the Cougars were working hard to be a family club.

“I can’t recall any major sporting event being held on Good Friday in Rockhampton before,” Mr Dingley said.

“What we have done is out of respect for Nerimbera’s achievement.

“We feel we need to work in with the clubs in the community.

“It’s a first time for the town and we are hoping there will be plenty of people who will come along tomorrow and support what we believe will be a very successful side this year.”

He said the Cougars were one of the best supported in the competition.

The Cougars have a number of personnel involved with long associations to Nerimbera.http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2010/04/01/good-friday-game-is-a-first-for-cougars-chief/

Disrupted soccer Miners battle on

Charlie Payne | 1st April 2010


SOCCER: After the off-season from hell, one could forgive the Whitsunday Miners for going into the first match of their season against Capricorn Cougars tomorrow with their heads down.

But nothing could be further from the truth, coach John Sowter said yesterday after announcing a squad of 17 for the round two QSL match at Rockhampton at 5pm tomorrow.

“The spirit is excellent and the attitude of the boys is excellent,” Sowter said.

“There is a very positive feeling across the whole club.”

The Miners have had major disruptions from wet weather over the last two months and had their first home match last weekend against QAS delayed, but Sowter says that will all be behind them when they kick off against formidable opponents the Cougars tomorrow.

The Cougars lost 1-0 to the 2009 QSL champions Brisbane Strikers in their season opener, and will be looking to open their account against a Whitsunday squad missing key players through injury including captain Troy Mundy and Stuart Watkins (foot), Kyle McBurney (knee) and Oliver Mortensen (thigh).

“We know they’re (the Cougars) a good and well organised outfit,” Sowter said.

“Anything we get we’ll earn the hard way.

“Obviously we’re weakened by not having players like Troy Mundy available, but I’m very happy with the squad and the effort they’ve put into preparation.”

Sowter won’t name the side until an hour before kickoff, but French midfielder Kevin Nguyen and strikers Tyson Masters and Mark Rhodes are likely to play key roles.

“Kevin has adapted and settled in very well, he’s doing fine,” he said.

“Tyson Masters has done well, he’s quick and strong, and Mark Rhodes is a quality player. With more support which I’m sure he’s going to get, he’ll score some goals this season.”

The squad includes promising young players, with several in contention for spots in the opener, among them Rick DeBoer, Chase Moloney, Joey Civello and Warrick Jansen.
http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2010/04/01/disrupted-soccer-miners-battle-on-after-defeat/