Northern Rangers lined up for their first hit out for the 2011 season, and took on Launceston City in the opening round of the Steve Hudson Cup.

Rangers had on display their new recruit in Chis Hunt who signed on with the club during the week.  Hunt has been in the Rangers sights for a couple of years now, particularly after he destroyed the side in the 2009 State Wide Cup Final with Clarence.  Young Scott Murray also made his club debut after joining the club from Launceston City.

Hingston was missing after sustaining an injury during a charity match last weekend and Nicholson was away on break, but their 2010 midfield partner Derek Schipper was playing.

Adam Whitemore went for a youthful side for this game as he starts to work on getting the side ready for the season start.  Notably Tenzing Anderson in the side after a strong finish to his year last season, where he played in the clubs under 16’s, under 18’s, Division One and Reserves sides.  Anderson looked at home against his premier league opponents.

Launceston City opened the scoring in the first half, but created little outside of that during the match.

Rangers looked good for the most part, and executed Whitemore’s new system well in their first attempt.

Chris Hunt could have levelled the scores early in the second half when he darted into the box and beat three opponents, taking an ankle tap on the way, but refused to go down, his cross from the bye line too long on the mini ground and nothing came of the chance.

Tams had many chances also but was unable to nail the target.

It ended 1-0 to City, but Whitemore was satisfied with the performance and progress of the side.

The Under 18's came up against the South Hobart development squad and came off second best, going down 4-1 but a spirited performance non the less.