As there was no report from last weeks Under 18 encounter with Prospect Knights a brief summary is that the Under 16s who again were called upon due to several first team choices being unavailable, did themselves and the Club proud.

Although this ended in a nil all draw Rangers were by far the better side throughout the game with the best chance of the game coming for Rangers in the final minutes when the ball fell within the 6 yard box but was converted rather than placed in the back of the net.  A good all round performance from Northern Rangers especially under their circumstances.

This week was a clash of the top 2 sides in the Under 18 competition.  Launceston having narrowly defeated Rangers in the first round were looking for the points to win them the league championship having lost only once this season.

Northern Rangers coaching staff were well aware of this, and with the “normal” full squad available were looking forward to this match.  Prior to the kick-off they were advised that Alex Bligh the goal-keeper was required for the Senior Reserve side, which meant substitute keeper Alex Hinds would replace him, and with little training this year in a position he plays well, stepped up to take over in this important game.

Rangers began well knocking the ball around and were taking control of the game as they have done previously, and created some good chances mainly from Zac Pearce up front who was tormenting their defence down the left-hand side and managed to get a couple of shots on target only to find the post and the bar stopping him from putting Rangers in front. Then against the run of play Launceston in quick succession found themselves going 2-0 in front within the 22^nd and 25th minute of the game. With the game and the Under 18 League in their grasps Launceston should have been aware that Rangers were not going to let this happen easily, but their coaching staff were already celebrating which was to lead them into trouble later in the game.

Rangers continued to play the football that has been trained within the Club, and within minutes found the net through no other than Zac Pearce, followed by a well struck free-kick from Yitay Towns who put the ball over into the danger area where Josh Burk scrambled the ball over the line to make the scores even at 2-2 at half-time.

In the second half, Rangers in the opening minutes through Josh Burk with a well stuck shot from 40 yards saw the ball rebound off the cross-bar setting the pace for the second-half.  As Rangers pilled on the pressure Launceston began to crack having a player dismissed for a second yellow and then their senior coach for descent.

So desperate were Launceston on winning the Under 18 League they brought back 3 of their first team regulars to boost them but all was in vain as when they left Rangers completely dominated  through Zac Pearce and captain Josh Burk who both had outstanding games and scored Rangers next two goals while Launceston could only muster one and Rangers won 4-3.

After the game coach John Crooks congratulated each and every Rangers player on their performance but acknowledged the backroom staff for their work, stating this was the performance that he knew they were capable of.