The clubs were buoyed by the presence of an Australian footballing legend in Rale Rasic who sat pitch-side.

Mr Rasic was in town for a footballing academy being run and organised by Toowoomba Grammar in conjunction with Brazilian side Botafogo.

Rasic, a former Socceroos World Cup coach, gave an excited bunch of junior colts a half-time talk.

“He said to them to keep their heads up, we’ve seen good things – even though we were getting trounced at the time,” Thunder coach Stan Hickey said.

“They all sat there very quiet – it was very nice of him to come do that for the kids… highlight of the day,” he said. 

The senior colts went into their fixture confident despite a difficult game the week before with Warwick.

“We had a slow start and I think it was 3-2 at half-time,” Hickey said.

Tenterfield ran out 10-4 winners which was a reassuring result for a team that is still a work-in-progress.

“I said to them that this game is the start of our season. We were ready, had a full squad and are starting to gel.”

Owing to the academy, the ladies game was postponed and will be played this Thursday, April 23 at C.F White Oval in Stanthorpe.

Despite starting well the Thunder A-grade were outdone by a formidable City outfit.

“We played some really good football but they were just really determined to win it,” Hickey said.

City was too good in the second half and won 9-3, despite a half-time score of 2-2.

“They combined well and we let in a few soft goals – I don’t think the score really reflected the game though.

“Once the flood gates opened we couldn’t hold them,” Stan said.

The Thunder will host Stanthorpe United this Sunday at Shirley Park and Hickey believes the Tenterfield club will respond strongly.

United will travel south after a week’s break following convincing displays against International Club.

“I hope we’ll be competitive – I think we can be competitive in every game and that will just make us better,” Hickey said.