All AbilitiesThe Mitchell Rangers Travelled to Hayes Park, Thornbury. To play against the Northern Falcons in a battle never before seen, The Rangers were eager to get on the pitch, with two new players Dakota and Craig, welcomed to the Rangers family. The Rangers were given clear instructions before the game, pass, pass. pass the ball around and play out from the back. When the Rangers eventually took to the field it was like an explosion. Jarrod was goal keeper for the first half putting his body on the line and making some incredible saves, one of which had to be seen to be believed, airborne outstretched and diving to his left tapping the ball out. Jordan was goal keeper for the second half and demonstrated skills beyond his years also putting his body on line and not even flinching as the ball comes hurtling in, as he casually catches it and kicks it back into play. Frank and Lynette were solid in the back standing their ground and kicking every ball that came there way. Craig was also solid in the back sweeping up all the loose balls, running from right to left passing the ball forward into the midfield where Davis, Damian, and Tayten were in waiting like snakes ready to strike, as they pounced on the ball, putting in some lovely one two combinations confusing the opposition and driving the ball forward for Dakota, Benno and Aaron to bedazzle the back line and shoot at goal. This was one of the best games to watch, both teams equally matched with skill but the Northern Falcons certainly were a much bigger bodied side, this did not affect the Mighty Mitchell Rangers performance nor did it stop them from going in and letting the opposition know they were there. Amazing passages of play, passing the ball around as a team and including everyone into the attack. Goals were being scored from everywhere, a very fast paced game. half time the score was 3 all, and with only seconds to go the score was 5 all, one last push forward and as the whistle blew a goal was scored. Not sure if that goal was allowed and counted, or not. None the less what a fantastic game, well done team. Thank you to all parents, guardians, families and friends for your cheers of encouragements. Go Rangers.
Under 15
Mitchell Rangers U15s vs. Mill Park 4-1W
In what was a character-defining display at Findon Reserve,
the Rangers went in unrelentingly in what shaped as a tantalising top of the
table clash. The first half was much like an arm wrestle, with both teams flexing
their muscles and threatening to go ahead on several occasions, but some wide
shots and cunning saves from both keepers kept both teams in it. For the first
time this season, the Rangers failed to find the back of the net within the
first 10 minutes, however the pressure continued to mount and finally from a
corner kick directed by captain Ryan Sirianni, lead goalscorer Louis Knynenburg
found some space on the penalty spot where there shouldn't have been any and
powered it past the opposition keeper at the 31 minute mark. Nerves were still
high going into half time only 1-0 up but the Rangers had the taste for blood
and netted two goals through the agency of Lachlan Partridge and Louis once
more 5 minutes after the break. An unlucky fumble from the keeper gave Mill
Park an opportunity to get their names on the scoresheet with 15 minutes left
on the clock but in typical fashion captain Ryan evaded countless players in
the box to seal the win for the Rangers, showing his pride for the badge with
his celebration as the final whistle blew only moments afterwards. The Rangers
still sit top of the ladder, currently 2 points ahead of Alphington SC who will
line up against our team at home next week (KO 11:30am, Sunday 23rd). I
personally invite everyone to come and watch what could be potentially the most
dramatic game of the season for the next generation of the Mitchell Rangers.
GOALS:
Louis Knynenburg 2
Lachlan Partridge 1
Ryan Sirianni 1
Under 10 Girls
The girls travelled to Eltham for a rematch of the first
competitive game we played. Much like the first meeting it was a very even
contest. Neza and Katie played very well in attack and both got on the
scoresheet. Erin did a good job of holding the defence together. Alexis lined
up in goals after binging on some Steve Sterling training videos and did her
hero proud with some very courageous goalkeeping. Sarah continues to improve
after a late start to the season and got involved early. Rachel entered the fray
after starting on the bench and also immediately got involved with a few passes
and a tackle. Ella, Zoe, Ava and Millie were always looking to pass to a
teammate in better position. The highlights of the performance for me was some
better positional play than previous weeks and the continued improvement in the
teamwork. It’s great to see the girls always looking to get other players
involved in the play.
We finished with a 3-2 win in a very tight contest. The two
games so far have proved these teams are very closely matched.
Senior Women
On
Sunday, the senior women played Darebin Falcons SC in a 13-goal thriller.
Rangers came out of the blocks superbly going 3-0 up within 15 minutes with
goals two goals from Vikki McNaughton and one from Tara Pavel. However, the
visitors made a spirited comeback to make it 3-3. This didn’t stop the girl’s
fighting spirit and they replied with minutes of the scores going level, with
Tara Pavel scoring her second. Darebin
managed to grab a fourth goal to bring the scores level, just before the
break. H/T scored - 4-4.
In the
second half, Rangers came out strong and scored within minutes of the restart,
making the score 5-4. The girls continued to dominate and scored another goal
through Vevean Morkos. The visitors kept
coming back and scored two more goals to level up again with only 5 minutes
left of the game. However, Rangers’ manage to push forward for one final attack,
which was finished by an absolutely screamer from Tara Pavel, this ensured a
well-deserved win for Rangers, final score 7-6. Goal scorers - 3 each for Vikki
McNaughton and Tara Pavel, 1 for Vevean Morkos
Under 12
Today
our Under 12's faced a strong Nillumbik side. We started with a strong showing
in the first half keeping a clean sheet and hitting the post in one of many
agonisingly close attempts. Unfortunately, we couldn't maintain our intensity
for the whole duration of the game and went down 3-1
Under 10 Black
The rangers were playing Mill Park at home this
morning. Most of attacking done by the rangers but a breakaway gave the
opposition the lead. A defensive mistake gave mill park a 2-0 lead at half
time. A renewed energy and teamwork gave the Rangers most of the possession. A
tidy finish from Zane, and then a long range shot from Will gave the rangers a
deserved draw. Carmelo was excellent in goal, with strong defending by Toby,
Laone, Harry. Attacking midfielders Isaac, Will, Zac, Roman, and forwards
Chris, Jaiden, Sunny, Zane and Josh played a fantastic team role. Well done
again.
Under 10 Green
Sunday’s game was a great show in how far you
have all come as a team. With a very wet pitch which slowed the ball down a bit
you were playing a great defensive game. You were playing in front and keeping
the pressure up the hole game and had the other team worried. With a tired game
at half time you can out fighting but it just wasn’t our day, you all played a
great game thank you for the help from the black team for extra subs.
Well done ranges score 3-5
Under 9
The
u9s hosted a very strong Oak Park side but held their own in the first half.
Some great saves from William and fantastic defending from Beau and Oliver kept
Oak Park to 2 heading in to the break with a flowing counter attack from the
tireless Connor who found Jackson at the far post with a beautiful cross giving
Rangers a goal back and a 2-1 score at the break
Some
nice link ups in the second half from Lucas, Cooper and Tyler, with determined
defending from Caleb. Oak Park ran away with it in the end but great effort
from the Rangers til the final whistle.
Under 8
On
Sunday the under 8’s faced Epping city with a home ground advantage. The
Rangers took their opportunities scoring early on. Going in to half time 2 nil
up with two goals to Dylan the under 8’s went out stronger second half. James
in goals with some great saves allowing the rangers to make a quick break and
scoring a third with Dylan in a hat trick. Nulan and Lexden defending strong
keeping the opposition at bay with Cy working hard up front and back. With
great work through the middle by Ned, Dane and Spencer and Ethan we battled on
and increased our lead. James put in a solid second half after being in goals
for the first half. Before full time James secured his hat trick. Isaiah coming
close to scoring putting in a huge effort improving every week. Epping city
were able to steal 2 goals back but unable to catch the strong 6 goal lead and
a strong under 8’s Mitchell Rangers!
Little Rangers
This morning we combined soccer with swimming.
Even with the pitch being wet and the fog still in it didn’t stop the little
rangers coming out and having fun. We started off playing follow the leader
around the perimeter. Dribbling the ball and getting quicker as we go. Stopping
the ball with our foot on top, weaving in and out of cones and then racing to
the last red flag. Hayden, Hunter and Isaac kept up with the leader and nailed
the cone weaving. We split up into two groups and practiced our goal kicking.
Trying to focus on looking up and then kicking the ball on either side of the
goalie. Imogen giggled her way and scored with each shot. Fletcher also has
strong legs with his precise goals. Luke got some airborne and did a few
tricks. After a drink we got all the parents up and lined up for some one on
one passing. Not many balls went astray which was impressive. James has
improved his passing as well as Archie, able to keep control of the ball. We
finished off with a friendly match. We remembered how to reset after a goal.
Tristan had his best game yet being like a bull dog putting the pressure on.
Noah with his passing and Archie with his snatch. By the end our socks were
soaked and our uniforms were muddy. What a great day.