Rangers in Motueka romp; Trojans on top

Rangers AFC continued on their unbeaten way in the Nelson division one football league, romping past Motueka 11-1 on Saturday.

Playing on a well-maintained pitch at Motueka’s Memorial Park, Rangers made the most of playing against a somewhat depleted home side, several younger players being recruited to fill Motueka’s ranks.

Despite the modest opposition, Rangers played consistently well, scoring six goals in the first half, while conceding one, then adding five more in the second 45. Leading the way was striker Keagan Mortimer, who bagged a hat-trick, while Kane Elvy notched a brace. Bjorn Waechter, Jack Morris, Boyd Elvy, Jono Masters, Tore Waechter and Guy Nolan scored the others.

Man of the match for Rangers was defender Joe Lewis, in what manager Wolfie Waechter described as “a good team effort over the full 90 minutes”.

Tougher times are ahead for Rangers. They meet Tahuna at A&P Park next weekend, then have away games against FC Nelson Karenni, Nelson Suburbs Reserves and FC Nelson, all in the top four.

Points: Rangers 10, Karenni 9, FC Nelson 9 *, Suburbs Reserves 7 *, Golden Bay 6, Tahuna 0 *, Richmond 0 *, Motueka 0. * Played three games, the remainder have played four.

Meanwhile, three teams sit atop the Marlborough division one standings after the first round was completed on Saturday.

Trojans are on top, through goal difference, having beaten the previously unbeaten Rangers Reserves 7-0 at Athletic Park.

Trojans made a hot start. They led 3-0 at the break, even missing a penalty, then added four more goals in a lively second spell.

Steve McGinnity and Matt Weaver both score a brace, the other goals from Kyle Evans, Nathan Mathieson and Ben Mesman.

Central Buccaneers, who sat out a bye on Saturday, are the other side in the top three, tied on nine points.

In the battle of the lower-placed sides, Central Wolves and Los Cafeteros fought out a 2-2 draw., Los Cafeteros led 2-0 at the break before Hunter Ruffell and Matt McCormick struck in the second half to level things up.

Points after round one: Trojans 9, Buccaneers 9, Reserves 9, Los Cafeteros 1, Wolves 1.

Picton Crow Tavern continue to set the pace in division two. On Saturday they made it five wins from the same number of starts with a 3-1 win over BV Masters.

Rangers City, who are in second place alongside BV Masters, beat Trojans Strikers 8-1, Ben Burridge scoring a hat-trick, while six goals to Alex Duley propelled Trojans Spartans to a 7-3 win over Trojans Red. In the other match Rangers Masters beat Central Privateers 3-2.

Points: Picton 15, Rangers City 12, BV Masters 12, Rangers Masters 9, Spartans 6, Privateers 4, Reds 1, Strikers 0.