Hi Rangers,

Under 14 Blue secured the division 2 league title on Saturday with an emphatic 5-0 win over the Southern Raiders Falcons. Some boys in this team are clearly division 1 quality players, and the team as a whole has embraced the wisdom of coach Ben Jones and clearly played the most attacking football, in what has been the closest and hardest fought division 2 comp for years. Well done to Ben and the boys. The last day now is simply a day to enjoy.

Under 14 Red thumped an under manned George Town outfit, and now have only the Westside Pirates between them and the league, in division 1.  Rangers must still beat the Pirates, but given the last 8-0 result, the coaching smarts of Mitchell Billing, and the commitment and hunger of this group of boys, confidence in them is well placed.

Under 14 White have taken only 2 score draws out of the last month of football, but could have quite easily won all 4 games. Saturday was no exception. The boys went down 3-2 despite 5 times the shots on goal. Clearly the better side in all aspects of the game except for the one that gets you the points. To their credit, the boys understand that they're playing well, and continue to persist. Full credit to them.

The senior girls finished their 2011 campaign with a loss, but they have played some of the best football in the competition. The girls missed Mikala DeHaan over the last month or so after her season ending knee injury, and in planning for next year we do need to develop a strategy for dealing with the counter attack, and the fast break, as that is generally the only way the girls are beaten. Should be proud of their progress. Well done.

Under 12 boys went down to Deloraine again, and as with the girls, these boys are regularly beaten by counter attacking football. What we're trying to do may take a little longer to perfect than the kick it and chase style of many of our opponents, but the long term results will be well worth it. Don't just bomb it long or clear it out f there. Learn to be comfortable with the ball. Finishing the year with a win would ensure 3rd spot, and the boys can be we well pleased with that result.

The second instalment of the under 16 derby could not have been closer, ending 1-1 on the night. The Blues opened the better, and moved the ball faster, creating more scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes. However the Reds eventually settled and scored first when Wade Larkins, who had been holding wide on the left, was finally delivered a killer pass which he cut back and slotted home. The Blues scored a late one when Andrew Collins put a beauty into the back of the net, which actually looked like a mishit cross. The second half saw no further score, despite both goal keepers having a few saves to make. The football was good quality with both teams playing patches of good possession play. The last 10 minutes degenerated as the boys went searching for a winning goal. Progress for the 16 boys has been frustrating this year. Numbers at training have been poor, attendance at matches has been sketchy, and our on field efforts have been inconsistent. The strategy must change next year if we are to be able to deliver quality players to our under 18 coaches. Despite some of the disappointments, the Reds are still in a position where a win against Riverside on Friday night will win the premiership. We had no thoughts at the start of the year that we would be in this position, yet here we are, with nothing to lose, and Riverside having conceded 6 in the last 2 weeks.

Under 14 Red and under 16 Red would appreciate support in their quest for league titles. When the game times are known, I'll let everyone know. Some senior support would also be appreciated.

UPDATED:

Game times this weekend are as follows:

Under 12 boys V Riverside Panthers on ground 9 at 1.10

For the League - Under 14 Red V Westside Pirates on ground 11 at 11.20, presentation to follow the match at 12.30

Under 14 Blue V Launceston United Devils on ground 10 at 11.20, presentation to follow at 12.35

Under 14 White V Southern Raiders Spartans on ground 9 at 9.00

Senior Girls - bye.

For the league - Under 16 Red V Riverside Olympic Predators Friday 6.50 on ground 10, presentations to follow the match.

Under 16 Blue V Launceston United Lions Friday 5.30 on ground 11.

Rod