FOOTBALL: With the start of the 2021 FQPL season less than a fortnight away, the SWQ Thunder tuned up with a promising performance at the weekend.

Up against local rivals the Western Pride, the Thunder senior men won 2-1.

Veco Serugo opened the scoring for the Thunder at the near post in the first half.

The Pride drew level with a neatly struck goal of their own, but Brodie Welch soon had the Thunder back in front, tucking home a rebound after Mohammed Elamir forced the Pride goalkeeper into a save.

Unfortunately the win comes at cost with Thunder captain and defender Mirko Crociati (pictured) shown a straight red card.

Jostling for the ball with his Pride opponent early in the second half, Crociati was given his marching orders and the side wasforced to play more defensively in his absence.

Unfortunately the Thunder women had little to celebrate.

New signings Bre McCarthy, Shannon Tyreell and Bridget Peden saw game time, but the side lost 6-1 to the Western Pride.

Originally published as Mixed weekend for SWQ Thunder