Sport
3 July, 2026
Tigers well-drilled machine
EDGE Hill Tigers suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to a determined Mareeba Bulls outfit on Saturday night, with missed opportunities and a lack of composure in key moments proving costly at Borzi Park.
The Tigers entered the match knowing Mareeba would provide a stern challenge on their home ground and the opening half-hour lived up to expectations as both teams traded attacking raids in an entertaining contest.
Despite creating several promising opportunities, Edge Hill were unable to find the breakthrough and were made to pay in the 31st minute when Leon Peressini finished inside the penalty area to give the Bulls a 1-0 halftime lead.
The Tigers responded positively after the interval and looked a different side as they increased the tempo. Their persistence was rewarded when Kyle Willis found the equaliser, giving Edge Hill the momentum and setting up an intriguing final half-hour.
However, the visitors were unable to capitalise on their improved play.
Mareeba regained the lead in the 78th minute through a well-struck effort from Darcy McCormack before Peressini added his second goal with four minutes remaining to seal the result for the home side.
Edge Hill coach Ryan Murray acknowledged his side fell below its usual standards and said the Bulls deserved full credit for making the most of their opportunities.
“We know playing Mareeba is always a tough game,” Murray said.
“We had a few key players missing and so did they, but they took their chances in the eighteen-yard box while we didn’t. They deserved the win.”
Despite the setback, Murray remained confident in his squad’s ability to bounce back as the season enters its decisive stages.
“We have a very good group and we’ve been playing well, but we didn’t turn up tonight and got punished,” he said. “We’ll regroup, put this result aside and push until the end of the season.”
Tigers remain well placed on the competition ladder and will view the performance as a reminder that consistency is essential against improving opposition.
For Mareeba, the victory continued an impressive resurgence, something Bulls coach Victor Madrid believes is built on growing confidence within his squad. “The boys will now have the belief that they can compete with the best teams,” Madrid said.
Edge Hill play hosts to Southside Comets this Saturday at Tiger park from 7pm.
