Caloundra 2-2 Grange Thistle SC | QLD D2 | Saturday, 16 May 2026

Caloundra and Grange Thistle SC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland D2 action. The result keeps Caloundra in the hunt for the top five, while Grange Thistle remain in the lower half of the table but will take heart from a spirited away performance.

Opening Exchanges

Grange Thistle started with confidence and opened the scoring in the 14th minute through a fine individual effort from midfielder Lachlan Boxall, who cut inside from the left and drove a low shot into the bottom corner. Caloundra responded quickly, equalising just six minutes later when striker Connor Walsh headed in a corner from the right.

The game remained even throughout the first half, with both goalkeepers called into action. Caloundra’s Josh Underwood made a crucial save to deny Grange’s leading scorer Dylan Carmichael, while at the other end, Thistle keeper Tom Lawton kept out a fierce drive from Walsh.

Second‑Half Drama

Caloundra pushed forward and took the lead in the 56th minute when winger Ben Grieve cut inside and unleashed a curling effort that beat Lawton at his near post. The home side seemed in control, but Grange Thistle refused to lie down. In the 74th minute, a long‑range free kick from Boxall deflected off the wall and looped over Underwood to make it 2-2.

Both teams had chances to grab a winner in the closing stages. Caloundra substitute Jake Lamb hit the post from a tight angle, while Grange’s Carmichael saw a header cleared off the line. The match ended level, a fair result based on the balance of play.

Impact on the Standings

Caloundra remain in 6th place with 19 points, two points outside the promotion play‑off spots. Grange Thistle stay 9th with 14 points. For Caloundra, the draw extends their unbeaten run to three matches, but they will view the dropped points as a missed opportunity to close the gap on the top five. Grange Thistle will see this as a valuable point on the road as they look to climb the table.

Player Highlights

Lachlan Boxall was the standout performer, scoring a brace from midfield and causing constant problems for the Caloundra defence. Connor Walsh also impressed for the home side with a goal and an all‑round physical presence up front.