Sport
18 September, 2026
Dolphins vs Rangers in final
THE Stratford Dolphins have booked their place in the FQPL Far North Premier Men’s grand final after producing an impressive 3-0 victory over Edge Hill United last Saturday.
With a place in the season decider against Marlin Coast Rangers on the line, the Dolphins delivered when it mattered, taking control early and never allowing Edge Hill to find a way back into the contest. Stratford wasted little time making their intentions clear, opening the scoring after just 10 minutes through Kyle Nichol.
Nichol’s early strike provided the perfect start for the Dolphins and allowed them to settle into the match with confidence as Edge Hill attempted to respond.
But just 13 minutes later, Stratford doubled their advantage.
Bryce Childers found the back of the net in the 23rd minute to put the Dolphins 2-0 ahead and firmly in control of the preliminary final.
Facing a two-goal deficit, Edge Hill needed to find a response before the break, but Stratford remained composed and took their valuable advantage into halftime.
The Tigers emerged for the second half knowing they needed to take the game to Stratford, but the Dolphins continued to defend their lead while looking for opportunities to put the result beyond doubt.
That decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute when Childers struck for the second time.
His second goal completed a memorable brace and stretched Stratford’s advantage to 3-0, effectively ending Edge Hill’s hopes of reaching the Grand Final.
The Dolphins saw out the remaining minutes to record a clean sheet and a convincing victory, continuing an impressive finals campaign that has seen them come through two sudden-death matches. Stratford defeated Leichhardt 2-1 in the minor semi-final a week earlier, with Nichol scoring twice in that victory, and have now backed up that performance with another strong display against Edge Hill.
Stratford coach Pasco Rogato said reaching the grand final was a significant moment, not only for the players, but for everyone involved with the club.
“Massive day for the club and especially for all those people who give their time behind the scenes – it’s been a long time since the premier men have been to the grand final and this is a chance for us to give something back,” he said.
“Obviously it’s going to be a challenge. Marlin Coast finished top of the table for a reason.
“But we’ve been building momentum over the past month and Saturday’s win over Edge Hill will definitely give us a lot of confidence.
“We just need to be focused, do our jobs and really enjoy the moment.”
The Dolphins now turn their attention to Saturday’s grand final at Stan Williams Park against Marlin Coast Rangers. Rangers earned direct passage to the decider after defeating Edge Hill 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in their major semi-final.
Marlin Coast will enter the grand final looking to complete a highly successful season after securing their third consecutive premiership.
Stratford, however, will arrive with plenty of momentum and confidence after consecutive finals victories over Leichhardt and Edge Hill.
With Rangers looking to add the championship trophy to their premiership and the Dolphins determined to reward their club and supporters, the stage is set for a fitting finale to the 2026 premier men’s season.
Edge Hill United and Redlynch Strikers will battle it out for the FQPL Far North premier women’s championship after taking different paths to this weekend’s grand final.
While Leichhardt Lions under-23s have booked their place in the grand final after holding their nerve to defeat the Mareeba Bulls 2-1 in a tense preliminary final at Endeavour Park on Saturday. They play Edge Hill.
