The Macleay Valley Rangers took down the Taree Wildcats 6 to 2 over the weekend in the Mid North Coast Premier League. The game started slow, but a lucky shot from one of the Rangers started a steady climb to victory.
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"We got off to a bit of a slow start; the first 15-20 minutes had a lot of turnarounds, then they scored, leaving us down 1-0," player-coach, Chris Walker said.
"Around 25 minutes in we got our first points, a lucky shot taken from the 18-yard box by Chad Applegate went through the opposing keeper's legs and gave us our first points. We finished the half with a goal from Tristan Smith, but I'd say it was still anyone's game at that point."
Half time gave the Rangers a much-needed rest, and when they returned to the field, it was a hard slog to overcome the steadfast Wildcats in wet and muddy conditions.
"We slowly started to get on top of them in the second half, then in the last 30 minutes we started to dominate, and create more chances," Walker said.
"John Henry scored off a right foot volley, and a freakish long-range kick, Chad scored another two as well giving him a total of three for the game."
This weekend, every team in the Mid North Coast Premier League has a BYE, and when competition resumes the following weekend, the Rangers will face the Port Saints.
"When we return, we will be looking to keep the momentum going, and hopefully get ready to play in the finals," Walker said.
"Barring a disaster, we should make the finals, at the moment we are 4th on the ladder, but I think we might try and aim for third."
Saturday was also about raising money for a good cause, the annual Rangers charity day was held and by all accounts was a great success.
"Saturday was our charity day where we raised funds for the Macleay Valley Home Hospice, thank you to everyone who helped out and participated," Walker said.
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