Rangers hit Suburbs for six

Rangers AFC scored three goals in each half to get the better of Nelson Suburbs Reserves 6-0 at A&P Park on Saturday.

Team manager Wolfie Waechter said, “We were very much looking forward to this game after last weekend's game was rained out.

“Our clashes with Suburbs are usually very exciting, both teams playing positive, fast attacking football, and Saturday's game was no different, 90 minutes of fast, intense football, but always fair.”

For the first time this season Rangers fielded an almost full-strength team, welcoming new signings Patrick Fleming and Alessandro Uderzo.

Suburbs began strongly but were undone after 16 minutes, conceding three goals in quick succession. Keagan Mortimer began the scoring, calmly slotted a nice through ball into the net, then Bjorn Waechter and Caleb McAulay were both quicker to the ball in the six-yard box to put the home side three up at the break.

The second 45 followed the same pattern, Suburbs having their chances and forcing young goalie Logan Stone to make some fine saves.

After an hour Mortimer had his second, winning the race for a loose ball in the box before being clipped, then slotting home the resulting penalty kick.

Rangers then emptied the bench, bringing on fresh legs. That soon paid dividends, bench players Cameron Oakes and Connor Pugh scoring their first goals this season.

Coach Chris Short praised a strong all round team performance, Hugh Bradley named player of the day.

Open grade

Trojans AFC sit alone atop the Marlborough senior men’s open grade table after scoring a 5-0 win over Rangers City on Saturday.

Their closest rivals, Rangers Reserves, dropped points after being held to a 2-2 draw with Rangers Masters.

In other results, Central FC beat Renwick Lonewolves 6-1, Central Wolves beat Trojans Spartans 7-1, Rangers Athletic beat Rangers Colts 7-0, Trojans Angels eased past Trojans Strikers 4-3 and BV Masters drew 1-1 with Picton.

Points after nine rounds: Trojans AFC 27, Rangers Reserves 25, Rangers Athletic 21, Central FC 18, Rangers City 18, Rangers Masters 16, Renwick 14, Central Wolves 14, Trojans Angels 11, Picton 7, Rangers Colts 4, Trojans Strikers 4, BV Masters 3.

In the women’s competition, Rangers Weapons downed Trojans 1-0 and BV Chicks accounted for Picton 4-1.

Points after seven rounds: BV Chicks 18, Rangers Weapons 15, Trojans 6, Picton 3.