Rangers AFC reclaim top position

Rangers AFC are back on top of the Nelson division one football table after seeing off previous leaders Motueka 5-1 in Motueka on Saturday.

After playing a tough Chatham Cup tie against Nelson Suburbs on Monday, Rangers were expected to be a little leg-weary heading into the weekend league encounter but found enough energy to get the job done comfortably.

And this was despite travelling over the hill with just 11 players.

After a slow start they conceded first, the home side scoring directly from a curling corner. However, that early setback gave Rangers a timely prompt and they equalised within minutes, Sam Hickmott scoring after picking up a long pass from player/coach Tore Waechter.

Ten minutes later they were at it again, this time Waechter reacting quickest after a corner was not cleared.

In the second spell, Rangers’ fitness showed, goals to Jono Masters, Sam Pearson and a second to Waechter finishing the job.

Manager Wolfie Waechter said his side “had put a huge shift in” especially since the extra dimensions of the Memorial Park pitch ensured the players had much more ground to cover.

Rangers’ player of the day was young winger Kane Elvy.

Rangers’ next game is against Tahuna in Blenheim next weekend.

Meanwhile, it was a less successful day for the BV Bullets side, competing in the Nelson division one league.

They took on a powerful Nelson Suburbs outfit at A&P Park and came away beaten 1-6.

BV won their previous encounter 4-2, but Saturday saw a reversal of fortunes as Suburbs turned up the heat.

However, it was the locals who struck first, Lea Poletti splitting the Suburbs defenders to score on the 12-minute mark.

Suburbs quickly equalised, then added two more to take a 3-1 lead into halftime.

Although Suburbs doubled their score in the second spell, there were chances at both ends. However, sparked by high-profile players such as Anna McPhie and NZ under-17 rep Amelia Abbott, Suburbs always appeared more dangerous.

BV player of the day was Poletti who made a huge contribution to the team’s attacking efforts and got a well-deserved goal for her efforts.

The two Trojans teams in the Mayfield Motorworld division one competition continue to head the standings after scoring solid wins on Saturday.

Call Care Trojans are on top after beating Central Wolves 3-1 while Call Care Hotspurs accounted for Rangers Development 5-1. In the other match BV Masters and Central Privateers drew 4-4.

Two goals from Tomas Lupani and one to Graeme Steel set up Trojans’ win. They led 2-1 at halftime, Steve McCaa scoring for Wolves. The second half was a physical contest, with Trojans reduced to 10 men after a red card was produced. However, they stood firm and Lupani’s second goal saw them take all the points.

Although the prolific Liam Clamp opened the scoring for Development, a strong showing in midfield allowed Hotspurs to dominate their younger rivals. The influence of the South American midfield trio of Francisco Zimmerman, Fabricio Diaz and Pablo Dominguez was apparent as braces to Nathan Mathison and Francisco Zimmerman, plus an Aiden Teston goal, did the business.

The other game was a fluctuating affair, Central leading 3-2 at halftime. Ben Clarke scored a double for Masters, Ben Shallcrass emulating that feat for Central.

In division two, Call Care Spartans downed Rangers Masters 3-1, Central Privateers beat Picton 2-1 and Rangers COM overcame Redwood Masters 7-1.