Back-to-back 8-a-side Soccer Carnival Trophies For Kingy’s Diesel Industries

Record entries and action-packed fixtures were a highlight of Mackay Rangers’ 40th anniversary 8-a-side soccer carnival staged at Eric Homan Park.

The established Rangers club continued a proud tradition with the event this year - delivering its usual combination of festivity, high level competition, dazzling skills and great entertainment for both players and spectators.

With a final tally off 22 men’s teams and thirteen women’s sides, this year’s tournament proved the biggest yet since the Carnival’s inception back in 1983.

“Months of meticulous preparation went into ensuring the success of the carnival with a huge effort from our committee and volunteers,” reflected club stalwart Liam Hutcheon.

“We had team entries from all over Queensland, making the event highly anticipated and diverse” he said.

“This mix of experience and fresh talent promised a weekend full of excitement and high-quality football” Hutcheon added.

Kingy’s Diesel Industries showed they are a force to be reckoned with by winning back-to-back men’s titles.

Budoo FC secured a record 150 points in the group stage while Inter Zinger United improved from last year’s eleventh placing to third in 2023 with the Sea Dingoes rounding out the top four.

The Cheers team won the women’s competition, displaying resilience and skill and powering through to the finals to emerge victorious in a compelling Grand Final.

Magpies Ladies demonstrated exceptional form, leading the teams with 89 points and turning in standout performances to finish runners up.

Let's Get Messi also had a noteworthy run, finishing in second place and making it to the final while Rangers All United made their club proud by reaching the semi-finals.

Special mention to Classic Brexxy who won the Mens Plate Final and the Berserker Bears who not only fielded two mens and two womens teams but also brought a troupe of supporters who added atmosphere during the event.

Prizemoney was presented to the following teams: MENS: $2600 Kingy’s Diesel Industries; $1300 Budoo FC (runners up); $650 Multiple Score (third) and $500 Berserker Bears Green (fourth).

WOMENS: $1600 Cheers; $800 Magpies (runners up); $400 Lets Get Messi (third) and $400 Rangers All United (fourth).

Respective Players of the Carnival were Shuto Kuboyama (Men)

and Maddy McCracken (Women) while the Sea Dingoes (Men) and Berserker Bears Gold (Women) won the Penalty Shoot Out.

Hameed Ali received $1000 as the 50 Club winner.

An appreciative Hutcheon thanked all travelling teams, local clubs and newly formed sides for entering this year’s milestone carnival.

“Your presence and flair is what gives this carnival its unique style” he stated.

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Action from this year’s Mackay Rangers FC annual 8-a-side Carnival at Eric Homan Park. Photo credit: Mackay Rangers FC

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