Northern Rangers hosted second place Devonport City in the last round of the Forestry Tasmania Northern Premier League, a dead rubber as Northern Rangers had secured the Premiership in the week before against Somerset, but Devonport were keen to hang on to second place and host a final in the State Wide Championship, while Northern Rangers were keen to finish the year undefeated.

No changes from last weeks win over Somerset for Rangers and the side looked to be up for the challenge following a strong training run earlier in the week, but the 2010 Premiers never really got going on this occasion.

Despite the wet weather, the ground staff of the NTCA had prepared the ground brilliantly with the centre wicket firm and the outfield green and well covered, damp but not soggy thanks to a few runs of the super sopper over the top during the week.

A great atmosphere with children everywhere due to the clubs family fun day, a jumping castle, face painting and crafts and a free BBQ thanks to produce donated by Cripps NuBake and Lethborg small goods.

The game kicked off as the sun peaked out for the first time and Rangers went ahead in the 20^th minute when Todd Hingston headed yet again from a corner, this time from Derek Schipper to make it 1-0.

But slow passing and a lack in urgency were opening Rangers up for challenges from Devonport.

A free kick after 30 minutes sailed into the box and Kurt Howard dispatched it for the leveller for Devonport and score remained into half time 1-1.

The second half and Rangers knew they would have to dig deep and create more if they were to have any chance of winning, kicking into a stiff breeze and into the sun, the odds were not in Rangers favour.

Rangers looked good in patches in the second half, and Paul Bremner, Issa Dumbuya and Stefan Jago all had one on one chances to put Rangers ahead, but missed easy opportunities.

Devonport made the most of their chances at the other end and Keygan Downes taped in the winner after a square ball made it past the keeper and to the feet of Downes directly in front.

Rangers just didn’t have the usual drive of previous games and couldn’t find the equaliser, Devonport running out 2-1 winners.

In a fitting gesture of sportsmanship, Devonport again formed a guard of honour for Rangers after the game to congratulate Rangers on their achievements.

Adam Whitemore said after the game “Disappointed to lose our unbeaten record. We were flat today. We moved the ball really slowly at times, taking too many touches and running with it when the pass was on.

 We just switched off for the goals. Otherwise there was very little threat.

Ultimately we paid the price for not taking 4-5 very good chances. I thought Ayden Demeijer  was great, and showed us how to move the ball. Jago also stood out.

Overall I can't be too critical as we have been great this season, and I'm sure we will lift for the finals.”