Sport
24 April, 2026
Maryborough dominates soccer opener
Julian Callea found himself in seven heaven during the Maryborough Soccer Club’s season opener against Forest Rangers last Sunday, powering the blue and whites to an 11-1 victory.
With a combined four victories in their last two seasons playing in division one, coupled with a decrease to one senior team for 2026, Maryborough is currently playing in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association’s third division.
After being the club’s 2025 golden boot winner with 12 goals in 14 matches, Callea wasted no time getting his name on the scoresheet at Wendouree West Recreational Reserve last weekend, scoring from Maryborough’s opening kickoff to give the visitors a 1-0 lead inside 60 seconds.
After striker Johno Melton and stalwart midfielder Jake Bucknall hit the back of the net, Callea doubled his goal tally in the 27th minute.
Riley Gardam completed a dominant Maryborough first half with a goal in the 40th minute to put the blue and whites 5-0 up at half time.
After entering the second half searching for his hat-trick, Callea magically booted three goals in as many minutes into the second half.
His third, fourth and fifth goals came in a very similar fashion, as brilliant defensive pressing allowed him to cut inside from the left wing and lash the ball home with his right boot.
Hamish Andrews did give Forest Rangers a consolation goal in the 51st minute, as he pounced on a defensive clearance and delivered a delightful chip over Maryborough keeper Jay Murdock.
However, the blue and whites emphatically responded with Callea’s sixth and seventh goals sandwiching Gardam’s second in the 75th minute.
Veteran centre back Andrew Love also played well as the general of the defence, as Maryborough took home their first three points in commanding fashion.
The blue and whites senior team will travel to Pleasant Street Reserve this Sunday to take on the Ballarat Soccer Club, while the club’s seven junior teams will kick off their 2026 season this weekend.