Northern Rangers found their 2011 rhythm in the first consolation game against Ulverstone in the Steve Hudson Cup.

After finishing bottom of the group without a win, Rangers were keen to get some momentum going, as the season nears ever closer.  With Todd Hingston back in the squad and many others returning, it was really about time.

The squad was predominantly the same outfit that took on South Hobart last week, and coach Adam Whitemore had said that he was really happy with the opening 35-40 minutes of that game, now it was time to tweak the squad, introduce Hingston and Cuschieri and let the results improve.

Rangers were on the board inside 5 minutes when Patty Lanu-Atkinson made the most of a loose ball into the goal.

Rangers were knocking the ball about the park well, regardless of the condition of the pitch, and the side was up 3 -0 before half time thanks to goals to Derek Schipper and Stefan Jago.

The defensive pairing of Declan Cuschieri and Sam Luck was also proving a winner, as both controlled the back line convincingly, something the Rangers had been missing just a little.

The Second half was a good effort with a further 4 goals coming, another to Jago, with Ambrose scoring 2 in 30 minutes on the pitch, including an interception from the Ulverstone keeper just inside half way, and then a delightful chip past the back peddling keeper and into the net, this came after his earlier effort which saw him go one on one with the keeper and score neatly.  Josh vanZetten also scored a tap in directly in front after Tams sent in a pin point perfect ball from the right wing.

This rounded out the 7-0 score line, and the side will now take on Launceston United in the 5th V 6th playoff after Launceston defeated Launceston City 5-3.

This game will take place on ground 1 at 11:00am next Sunday.

The under 18’s played South Hobart’s development squad, and served up a far greater effort in this match, going down 3-4.

The Under 18 Ranger outfit lead early in the game thanks to John Wani, but South hit back and went 2-1 in front.  Wani Again pinned the scores back to 2-2.

South eventually got on top and were 4-2 up before Kiren vanDonselaar pulled one back to end the game at 3-4.