Rangers wrap up league title in style

Rangers AFC put an exclamation mark on their Nelson division one football victory at Athletic Park on Saturday.

Although the Blenheim-based crew had wrapped up the league title the previous week they still had one game to play, a deferred clash with the ever-dangerous FC Nelson Karenni side, and Rangers were intent on preserving their unbeaten record, plus finishing in style.

They did both, putting on a polished, dominant display on their way to a commanding 4-0 victory in front of a strong turnout of club stalwarts.

Rangers scored two goals in each half, the first coming after 19 minutes when Sverre Waechter rose highest to nod home a Kane Elvy corner.

Despite the home side’s midfield of Cam Blair, Tore Waechter and Jonno Masters seizing control in the centre of the park, it was not until the 45^th minute that they doubled their lead, striker Keagan Mortimer showing strength and perseverance to wriggle free of his markers and slot home.

The second half offered more of the same, Rangers making inroads through wide men Kane Elvy and Jack Morris, while at the back Jordy Columbus, Callum McDonald and Boyd Elvy mopped up whatever threats Karenni engineered. Luc Sherwood was a safe pair of hands in goal, his defensive unit ensuring he did not have too much to do.

Despite their dominance it took until the 72^nd minute for the third goal to come. Tore Waechter played a superb through ball to Mortimer, who made no mistake. Three minutes later he completed his hat-trick, again showing determination to stay on his feet in the box and being rewarded.

With the game well and truly in the bag Rangers emptied their bench, youngsters Hugo Rowden, Connor Pugh and Rico Chen tasting game time, along with veterans Aaron Hayes and Shiv Chandra.

In the final count, Rangers won the league by six points, with 10 wins and four draws.

Presenting the trophy post-match, the Nelson FC representative congratulated Rangers, who he felt set the benchmark for the standard of play across the league.

Player/coach Tore Waechter was a satisfied man after the final whistle, relishing the club’s third title win in five years.

“We are always up there competing … in the two years we didn’t win the league we were second. We definitely wanted to finish with a good performance today and to go undefeated … we didn’t win the league at home, but it is nice to finish off in front of our supporters.

“[Karenni] are always tough opponents but we did well today, especially without Carl [Connor-McClean], Marcelo [Gonzalez] and Guy [Nolan]. The young boys that came on were bloody good too. It all looks good for the future of the team.”

The side had to deal with some untimely injuries this season, including a season-ending injury to key midfielder Bjorn Waechter, plus the fact they have to travel across the hill at least every second week.

However, Tore said the side was used to the travel factor now and it helped build camaraderie.

“We’ve just made it work for us I guess.”

Rangers’ have one more assignment this season, a Price Charity cup final clash with Golden Bay in Richmond next weekend, offering a chance to do the double and set the seal on a superb season.