Sport
14 August, 2026
Buninyong hands Maryborough 3-2 loss
The Buninyong Soccer Club has delivered a major shock to Maryborough’s title ambitions with a stunning 3-2 triumph over the blue and whites.
Despite a brilliant brace from the Redbacks’ Suman Tamang, handing them their second loss of the season, Maryborough remains eight points clear at the top of the Ballarat and District Soccer Association’s third division.
However, with just three rounds remaining before finals, the blue and whites will look to recapture their scintillating form against Forest Rangers and Ballarat before their regular season finale against second-placed Ballarat North United.
The blue and whites travelled to Buninyong’s Royal Park noticeably weakened due to suspensions for veteran defender Andrew Love and skilful playmaker Kynan Carter after both received red cards during Maryborough’s 8-0 victory over Victoria Park.
Following a somewhat nervy start, the game suddenly burst into life when Tamang opened the scoring for the Redbacks in the 15th minute.
Fresh off last weekend’s hat-trick against the Vultures, Maryborough talisman Julian Callea produced an instant reply for the visitors with a sweet strike, only for Sandesh Shrestha to restore Buninyong’s lead with a goal.
Opportunities for an equaliser were scarce for the blue and whites, who were unable to fire past Red-backs keeper Santosh Kandel before Tamang gave Buninyong a two-goal cushion right before half time.
After regrouping at the break, Maryborough’s comeback efforts received a major boost when Callea booted his second goal of the match just six minutes into the second half.
However, despite Luke Bucknall, Riley Gardam and Cullen Green desperately fighting to force an opening, Buninyong’s defence held firm, cementing their five-game win streak with a statement victory.
The blue and whites will attempt to quickly bounce back this Sunday at Wendouree West Recreational Reserve against Forest Rangers, who recently earned their first win of 2026 with an entertaining 6-3 triumph over Ballarat.
Maryborough’s under 16s also contended tenaciously last Sunday in a weather-soaked losing effort against finals contenders Ballarat North United Black.
Despite the rain-affected surface at Ron Sinclair Oval, Joshua Stone powered the visitors past the blue and whites with a super hat-trick that keeps the Panthers within touching distance of both Ballarat Soccer Club teams at the top of the standings.
Jacob Antolini and Liam Lovett performed well at the heart of the Maryborough defence on Sunday as the blue and whites now turn their attention to this weekend’s tough matchup with the unbeaten Ballarat Red at Pleasant Street Reserve.