Fielding 9 boys still eligible to play under 16s, including 5 under 15 boys, a young Rangers side gave an impressive account of themselves in their first up effort for 2012.

The young side unfortunately began slowly, conceding a sloppy goal in the first 5 minutes of play, before settling into an even first half contest, where they created more opportunities than their opposition, but were a little wayward in finishing. A late goal to Glenorchy, against the run of play, had the boys facing a 2/0 deficit at half time.

Some strange refereeing decisions in the first half also had us wondering whether we’d be able to even buy a goal. Hayden Vandervelde took a kick to the head in the penalty box, with the resultant free kick being indirect. That was a real head scratcher, but was also followed by some cynical challenges by second last defenders, with free kicks awarded but no further sanction.

The second half had Kaleb Barracu scoring for Rangers early, despite the fact that our passing game had dropped away a little. Glenorchy consolidated with a good patch of football, which yielded 2 goals and looked to leave the result fairly open and shut.

However, the reintroduction of Bailey Henry to left wing had immediate results as he set about restoring balance on the scoreboard. The second goal however, came from Harry Thannhauser after a fine passage of play. Spirits lifted as did the tempo of the football. The midfield started asking questions of the Knights defence by poking a number of probing balls into the forward half. Bailey was through on goal, and with only the keeper to beat, he was brought down from behind on the edge of the penalty box, with a free kick and a yellow card again being an unjustly soft sanction.

The boys continued to press, and Hayden eventually made it 3, when he was put through by another quality ball from the midfield. The game ended with a calf tear to Kaleb Barracu, souring the result for the team.

However solid performances by the young brigade, gives us all hope for a solid season.