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Round 15 @ Footscray
Hockey Centre
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| Date: 25/11/01 |
Vs. Geelong Wildcats |
Result: Rangers 18
Wildcats 2 |
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Recap:
Today the 2001 Croydon Ranger team
made Ranger history by becoming the first side in the clubs
15 year history to finish a home and away without recording
a loss. The Rangers however started the game very sloppy and
showed little sign of a team embarking on a championship.
The Wildcats had good field position for most of the first
half and capitalised by blocking a Ranger punt that saw the
ball bounce into the Ranger end zone scoring a safety. The
Ranger never looked like scoring in the first half, fumbling
the ball and enabling the Wildcats to take charge of the game.
The Wildcats went into the half time
break leading the Rangers 2 - 0. Although the scoreline wasn't
large the windy conditions and the form of the Rangers meant
that the Wildcats had the opportunity to take the game from
the Rangers.
A new Ranger team took the field
in the second half, Brett Mason splitting the Wildcats with
exceptional pace and agility scored on the opening play of
the half. The Rangers followed up the start by successfully
driving the ball 50 yards enabling Q.B. Lachie Fuller run
the ball from 14 yards out score the Rangers second touchdown.
The Rangers using the momentum stopped the Wildcats offense
from threatening, while the Ranger offense were stringing
plays together resulting in Brett Mason's second touchdown
and the Rangers third for the half. Thomas Kinloch finished
an outstanding game with 8 tackles recovering a Wildcat fumble
giving the Rangers the ball back late in the final quarter.
The Rangers finished off the game
convincingly defeating the Wildcats 18 - 2.
The Rangers will play the winner of
next weeks semi final between the Nunawading Warriors and
the Western Crusaders. The Vicbowl championship will be decided
at 2:00pm on Sunday the 9th of December at the Footscray Hockey
Center, Fogarty Ave Yarraville (Map 41 H10).
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Round 14 @ Footscray
Hockey Centre
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| Date: 18/11/01 |
Vs. Berwick Miners |
Result: Rangers 44
Miners 0 |
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Recap:
The only competition Croydon in this
week's match against the Berwick Miners was whether or not
the Ranger defense was going to out score the Ranger offense.
The Rangers dominated the Miners in every facet of the game.
The Ranger defense was too strong for the Miners who never
looked like threatening the scoreboard. The Ranger defense
returned interceptions by Brett Mason and Matthew Porter for
touchdowns as well scoring two safeties from blocked punts.
The Ranger offense scored easily,
the Miners were unable to stop the Rangers running game or
threaten the passing game. Two touchdowns to Jon Snape and
single touchdowns to Stephen Churchill and Nathan Pasco securing
the Rangers 8 th win for the season.
The final score saw the Rangers home
comfortably winning the game 44 to 0.
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Round 13 @ Footscray
Hockey Centre
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| Date: 11/11/01 |
Vs. Western Crusaders |
Result: Rangers 6
Crusaders 6 |
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Recap:
A win to the Rangers today would ensure
the achievement of one of their team goals. At the start of
the season the Rangers set a goal to achieve 8 wins for the
season but to also beat each team in the competition twice.
A draw to the Crusaders in the last encounter meant that a
win today would not only achieve these goals, but also cement
the Rangers as favorites for the championship.
1st Half The Crusaders are definitely
a well balanced team, they field and aggressive defense and
there offense field sound running and passing games. This
was certainly the case with the Crusaders threatening an early
score driving the ball down to scoring position. The Ranger
defense have found themselves in many tight situations this
season and were up for the challenge denying the Crusaders
of an early score. The half closed out with no score and both
teams relying on defense to save a score.
2nd Half The Rangers planned how they
intended to start the second half. The Rangers were to receive
the ball and by forming a wall up the Ranger sideline, it
was our opportunity to take hold of the game. In taking hold,
the wall up the Rangers sideline enabled Stephen Churchill
to run the 80 yards up field to give the Rangers the first
score of the game. The Ranger defense was up to the Crusaders
challenge holding a traditionally powerful running game. The
Ranger offense was unable to sting together a drive and score,
to put the game out of the Crusaders reach. The Crusaders
scored late in the final quarter evening up the game. The
point after attempt was blocked by All Australian Christian
Kirtley ensuring the Rangers maintained their unbeaten record.
Final Scores Rangers 6 Crusaders 6.
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Round 12 @ Footscray
Hockey Centre
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| Date: 4/11/01 |
Vs. Nunawading Warriors |
Result: Rangers 18
Warriors 8 |
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Recap:
The Rangers had something to prove
in this weeks match up against the second placed Warriors.
The Rangers were coming off a bye and the Warriors last week
convincingly beat last years champions the Crusaders. It was
a game where the Rangers had to show the Warriors that the
undefeated record was deserved and that the Rangers were a
real threat to this years championship.
1st Half The first half started with
the Rangers not being able to capitalise on some good field
position. A gutsy punt return from Brett Mason set the Rangers
up with the perfect opportunity to score. The job was given
to Stephen Churchill who with some tough running found the
end zone on a 9 yard run to give the Rangers the first score
of the game.
The Ranger defense was holding strong
against the Warriors passing game and excellent coverage by
Jarrod Hornbuckle was rewarded truly when Jarrod intercepted
the a Warriors pass and ran the ball into the endzone for
a defensive score. The finished with the Rangers leading the
Warriors 12-0. Stephen Churchill leading the Rangers offense
with 77 yards and 1 touchdown.
2nd Half The Ranger defense were able
to stop the Warriors from threatening the scoreline and were
rewarded with some excellent Punt returning by rookie Brett
Mason. The Ranger Offense were looking to threaten the Warriors
early in the second half however were unsuccessful, until
QB Lachlan Fuller found Wide Receiver Nathan Pasco for a 23
yard pass, Nathan ducking and weaving his way into the endzone
for the Rangers third score.
The Ranger defense performed exceptionally
well against the Warriors attacked however the Warriors were
rewarded on a lengthy drive scoring mid way through the last
quarter. The game finishing out with no further addition to
the scoreboard.
Rangers 18 def Wildcats 8.
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Round 11 - Bye
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Round 10 @ Footscray
Hockey Centre
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| Date: 21/10/01 |
Vs. Geelong Wildcats |
Result: Rangers 22
Wildcats 0 |
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Recap:
Mentally the Rangers have a tough fixture
this year. The 15 round season is broken into three sections
all divided a bye on the fifth week. The first two teams (Warriors
and Crusaders) are easier teams to prepare for as they play
good hard football and for the Rangers are constant yardsticks.
In the final two games of each section Croydon plays the two
teams currently undergoing development and rebuilding therefore
are require a different type of preparation revolving around
mental awareness and concentration. The Ranger Offence gained
some much needed confidence against the younger and smaller
Berwick Miners in last weeks game. A confidence that had to
continue into this week to prepare the Rangers for the last
section of the season and especially the chance to compete
in this years Championship Game.
The Wildcats came close to beating
the Rangers earlier this season, and if the Rangers became
complacent and were unable to concentrate their unbeaten record
this season would certainly come to an abrupt end. The Wildcats
power running game is a key for the Ranger defense and for
offense to score the Rangers would have to capitalise on opportunities
and take advantage of the Wildcats by stretching them and
tiring their big men early.
The Wildcats started the game with
the ball and initially caught the Ranger defense off guard
on the first three plays of the game. The Wildcats were forced
to punt giving the Rangers the first opportunity of the game.
This opportunity was short lived with the Wildcats intercepting
Q.B. Lachlan Fuller on the very first play. The turnover gave
the Wildcats good field position and momentum early on. The
Ranger defense held strong against a tough running attack
from the Wildcats. The Rangers with their second opportunity
used their new found confidence using the running game, backs
Stephen Churchill and John Snape ran the Rangers into some
good field position and it wasn't long till Fuller found receiver
Matt McKie on a 72 yard passing play giving the Rangers the
first score off the game. The two point conversion was completed
by Stephen Churchill.
The second quarter saw the Wildcats
using the running game to come within scoring range. An interception
and good return to Matt Porter gave the possession back to
the Rangers with only a few minutes left to score. The much
needed second score was never to be with Fuller being intercepted
again giving the Wildcats the final chance. The Wildcats were
unable to convert due to a score saving sack by Nick Gorse
for a 9 yard loss. Due to some confusion on an umpire ruling
the Wildcats were awarded with a 30 yard penalty and a final
attempt to even the game. Tensions on the Ranger sideline
were high due to the umpiring confusion, added too by the
mental advantage the Wildcats would have by evening up the
scoreline. The Ranger defense averted the score with a knockdown
to Matt Porter.
Well executed offensive blocking by
the offensive line and some hard running by Churchill and
Snape enabled the Rangers to move the ball early in the third
quarter. The Ranger defense were able to match anything thrown
at them by the Wildcats who were unable to string together
enough plays to threaten the Rangers. The Ranger offense continued
the strong blocking and running, however it was a pass play
to all Australian wide receiver Scott Snowball who was tackled
shy of a deserved score. The hard work of running back Snape
was rewarded with a touchdown on the next play. Snowball also
rewarded with a juggling catch between his legs to give the
Rangers the two point conversion.
The blocking and running continued
for the Rangers driving the 60 yards purely through the talents
of the offensive line, Churchill, Snape and Collins. The reward
this time went to Churchill scoring the Rangers third touchdown
on a 6 yard running play. The two point conversion was unsuccessful.
The Rangers were now playing to keep the Wildcats scoreless
and to gain some depth by sending in some of the newer less
experienced guys into the game. The Rangers were rewarded
with two sacks by Thomas Kinloch, and out of positioned player
Steve Roberts both for big losses. The game ended with both
teams fumbling and having the opposition recover the ball.
The Wildcats made the most of the final opportunity however
were unable to score.
The Rangers have a week off next week,
and will comeback refreshed and poised to threaten the 2001
Victorian Championship.
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Round 9 @ Footscray
Hockey Centre
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| Date: 14/10/01 |
Vs. Berwick Miners |
Result: Rangers 28
Miners 6 |
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Recap:
The Rangers during the week agreed that the win on Sunday
by less than 5 scores would not be suitable. To achieve this
the Ranger offense would have break off this seasons hoodoo
of not being able to score in the second half. To achieve
the target Croydon had to keep their concentration and execute
for the full four quarters, something they have been struggling
with this season.
The Ranger defense started aggressively with the Miners having
to punt on their first drive. A fumble recovery by Steef Dommers
mid way through the 1st quarter gave the Rangers momentum
and good field position. An injury to key running back Stephen
Churchill meant the Aaron Collins had to fill the void. Aaron
answered the call catching the Lachlan Fuller pass on a screen
play and sliced through the Miners defense with a 20 yard
run giving the Rangers the first score. The two point conversion
play was made by Jarrod Hornbuckle. The quarter was played
out with the Ranger defense holding strong set by some good
punt returning from BJ Mason.
Croydon looked set on achieving their five score goal by
scoring on the 1st play of the 2nd Quarter. Quarterback Lachlan
Fuller taking it himself into the endzone on a 14 yard Quarterback
keep. The Miner offense caught the Rangers off guard throughout
the second quarter driving the ball 80 yards mixing up their
already strong running game with some passing plays to their
young receivers who are showing some potential as the season
progresses. The Miners hard work was paid off scoring mid
way through the second quarter. The conversion was unsuccessful.
With 8 seconds to go in the half the Rangers had a final attempt
to put a score on the board. QB Lachlan Fuller finding Australian
representative Scott Snowball on a 69 yard passing play resulting
in the score. The two point conversion was successful Aaron
Collins catching a pass in the endzone.
The Rangers went into the half time break well on their way
to achieving the pre game goal.
The Rangers started badly fumbling the ball on their opening
drive of the quarter. The Ranger defense held it's own against
the Miners who were desperate to get back into the game with
a much needed score. A Ranger fumble on their second drive
was recovered by emerging lineman Gareth Maloney enable the
Rangers to keep the ball and with good field position were
in the prime position to break their second half drought.
The drought was broken by the finesse running another Australian
representative John "Slim" Snape.
The Ranger defense held off the Miners the highlight being
the blocked punt by veteran lineman Heath Morrison and the
Rangers recovering the ball on the 8 yard line. The Rangers
were unable to convert, preferring to go to back up players
in order to gain some valuable experience to gain some team
depth coming into the business end of the season. The final
quarter added nothing extra to the scoreboard, and although
the goal wasn't achieved the younger and less experienced
guys were able to gain the experience and confidence that
will hopefully see the Rangers into the Championship game
this season.
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Round 8 @ Footscray
Hockey Centre
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| Date: 7/10/01 |
Vs. Western Crusaders |
Result: Rangers 0
Crusaders 0 |
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Recap:
Saturday night's game was the Rangers
first game for the season on the Astro Turf at the State Hockey
Centre in Footscray. Based on last seasons result the Rangers
have traditionally struggled on this surface. The Crusaders
use the facility as their training venue and for the Rangers
to become out on top the team had to take control of the game
early and capitalise on Crusader mistakes.
The Crusaders Offense took the ball
first in the cold a wet conditions running the ball gaining
yards early on a single broken play. The Ranger defense tightened
up and forced the Crusaders to punt the ball. The Ranger offense
attempted to take control of the game early by running the
ball at the Crusaders aggressive defense.
The first half finished very quickly
as both teams attempted to score using the run primarily,
Crodyon mixing the game a little completing a few passes to
receivers Snowball, Pascoe and McKie. Croydon came close to
scoring late in the second quarter, however the shorter field
denied Scott Snowball of a deserved score.
At the half time break Croydon knew
that the game was there to be won, however their inability
to put points on the board over the past few weeks was a hex
they had to over come to retain the unbeaten record.
Croydon started the half with the
possession however were unable to make the first down. Luck
was on the Rangers side as the overly aggressive Crusader
defense was called on a penalty for roughing the punter. This
opportunity gave the Rangers a second chance and potentially
the dream start with a score. This wasn't meant to be with
Crusaders defense to strong.
The Crusaders continued to try and
run the ball at the Rangers however the Croydon run defense
was equal to the challenge. Late in the last quarter the Crusader's
young quarterback found his wide receiver for a 20 yard gain
which put the Crusaders in with a scoring opportunity at goal
line. Once again the Rangers defense was up to the challenge
in less than pleasant conditions holding strong and denying
the Crusaders the score and the win.
The game finishing in a nil all draw
with both teams gaining the deserved respect of each other.
In a competitive game a draw is a little like kissing your
sister it really means nothing. To really contend this years
championship the Rangers must be able to convert and score
at will. Being undefeated after 6 games is certainly a great
effort for all the guys however it's time to cement the top
position on the ladder.
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Round 7 @ Croydon
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| Date: 30/9/01 |
Vs. Nunawading Warriors |
Result: Rangers 6
Warriors 6 |
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Recap:
The Warriors have always been a team
that has the capacity to play above their ability when confidence
is high. Last week the Warriors defeated last years champions
the Western Crusaders, and with Croydon being the only undefeated
team in the competition, the Warriors certainly would have
traveled to Croydon believing they could come away with the
win. Croydon coming off a week's break were undermanned due
to injuries to some key position players.
Once again defense's ruled the day keeping
the scoring to a minimum. The single touchdown being scored
by Stephen Churchill mid way through the first quarter. The
Warriors evening the score mid way through the second quarter.
Both teams had there chances to take the game, the Rangers
defense turned over the ball on three occasions however the
offense was unable to capitalise on the possession. The Ranger
defense was once again required to stand strong holding out
the Warriors on an offensive drive that finished on the one
yard line.
Offense Stats
Summary
Stephen Churchill 22 Carries for 79 Yards.
Jarrod Hornbuckle 6 Carries for 25 Yards.
Scott Snowball 2 Receptions for 37 Yards.
Defense Stats
Summary
Scott Snowball 2 Interceptions.
Brock Lynch 2 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Interception.
Steef 6 Tackles.
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Round 6 - Bye
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| Date: 16/9/01 |
Vs. Geelong Wildcats |
Result: Rangers 16
Wildcats 14 |
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Recap:
At the start of the season the Rangers
set themselves a series of team goals that would be used to
measure the year on. Sundays game against the Wildcats was
an opportunity to realise two of those goals. The first was
to win both games played at Croydon this year and the second
was to beat each team in the competition at least once for
the season. The Wildcats are a team that although do not have
the depth that other teams in the league have, they are big,
strong and play every game with passion and intensity. To
win Croydon had to execute and be aggressive.
The game started with a minutes silence to remember all those
that lost their lives in the US terrorist attacks earlier
on this week. The Wildcats started with the first possession,
and caught the Rangers a little off guard scoring on their
first drive. This was certainly not the start the Ranger defense
needed. With momentum the Wildcats running game could easily
take charge.
The Ranger offense had their first touch of the ball 55 yards
out from their endzone, the ball was handled to start running
back Stephen Churchill who danced his way through the Wildcats
defense to score on the Rangers opening play. The two point
conversion play was made by Nathan Pasco evening up the scoreboard.
The Ranger defense was unable to hold the power running game
of the Wildcats who scored freely on their next drive taking
the lead and finishing the quarter 14-8.
The second quarter saw Q.B. Lachlan Fuller find Nathan Pasco
on a 35 yard passing play scoring the Rangers second touchdown.
The conversion play was given to ever reliable Stephen Churchill
who ran in the score handing the Rangers a slight lead. The
half finished with both defenses shutting down the offensive
onslaught that was the majority of the first half.
During the halftime break the Rangers were confident that
they could hold down the Wildcats offense and some adjustments
made to the line-up mid way through the second quarter were
paying off for Croydon. The halftime talk was weighted heavily
around the Ranger offense not scoring in the second half of
the last two games, and with defense's confidence of holding
down the powerful Wildcats run the game was in the hands of
the offense.
The third quarter saw both teams moving the ball without
any success on the scoreboards. The Rangers had the better
of the opportunities within the quarter however were unable
to capitalise with good field position and a tiring opposition.
The fourth quarter saw the Ranger defense holding strong
against a rejuvenated Wildcats Offense. The Rangers held down
the Wildcats running game with only a few yards between a
win or a home game loss. The Ranger defense played smart football
with aggressive gang tackling allowing the Wildcats with minimal
yards for the quarter. Some offensive penalties late in the
last quarter did not make the job any easier however the Ranger
ran out lucky winners in a tough game of football.
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| Date: 9/9/01 |
Vs. Berwick Miners |
Result: Rangers 20
Miners 14 |
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Recap:
Check Back Later...
Team Statistics:
Offense
Total
Yards: 295
Rushing Yards: 205
(Stephen Churchill 2 touchdowns, 139 yards, 18 carries, 7.7
avg)
(Aaron Collins 1 touchdown, 52 yards, 11 carries, 4.7 avg)
Passing Yards : 90
(Scott Snowball 10 receptions, 68 yards)
Defense
Total Yards Allowed: 72
Rushing Yards Allowed: 44
Passing Yards Allowed: 28
(Steef Domershuijzen 8 tackles, 1 sack)
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| Date: 2/9/01 |
Vs. Western Crusaders |
Result: Rangers 14
Crusaders 8 |
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Recap:
Sundays game was a big test for the
Rangers. The Crusaders were last seasons champions and had
continued that form into this season being undefeated. The
Crusaders are definitely a league yardstick with an aggressive
defense and a sound offense that can score at will. To win
the Rangers needed to be as aggressive and supported by offensive
execution to finish the day on top.
1st Quarter:
Croydon got off the start they needed with QB Lochie Fuller
finding WR Matt Mckie for a 61 yard pass touchdown on the
opening offensive play. The quarter ended with both defense's
shutting down any chance the offense's had of moving the ball.
2nd Quarter:
The second quarter continued as the 1 st had ended with both
the Ranger and Crusader defense's standing strong. Late in
the quarter the Lochie Fuller found receiver Clinton Bowe
on a 30 yard passing play, Clinton dancing through the Crusaders
defenders on his way into the endzone for the Rangers 2nd
Touchdown. Lochie finding receiver Scott Snowball completing
the 2 point conversion. Rangers go into the change with a
16 to 0 lead.
There was no room for complacency at the
half time break for Croydon, The Rangers were in this position
two seasons ago in a championship game. The Crusaders won
that game in overtime. There was no way the Rangers were going
to let that happen again.
3rd Quarter:
The 3rd quarter did not start the way the Rangers would like.
Lochie was sacked for a 13 yard loss on the opening offensive
drive. The result was the Crusaders had good field position
and they capitalized thanks to a 35 yard broken run play followed
up with a 21 yard passing play, had the Crusaders with 3 yards
to the touchdown line. The Ranger defense held it's ground
for 4 plays however were unable to stop the Crusaders from
scoring. The 3rd Quarter finished with no addition to the
scoreboard.
4th Quarter:
The 4th quarter was once again lead by both defense's standing
strong. As the Crusaders were behind on the scoreboard they
were forced to go for the big play, and the score. The Ranger
defense were up to the challenge, and held out the Crusader
offense. The Ranger offense had to play smart football were
mistakes made could have meant the difference between winning
and loosing.
Team Statistics:
Offense
Touchdowns: Matt Mckie 61 yard passing play, Clinton Bowe
30 yard passing play
Conversions: Scott Snowball 3 yard passing play
Defense
Interceptions: Stephen Churchill, Matt Mckie
Sacks: Mark Doyle 2
Fumble Recoveries: Mark Doyle 2
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|
| Date: 26/8/01 |
Vs. Nunawading Warriors |
Result: Rangers 8
Warriors 6 |
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Recap:
The first quarter saw both teams feeling
each other out defensively. The Rangers defense turned over
the ball twice giving the Offence the opportunity. The Rangers
offense moved the ball however were unable to put the points
on the board.
In the second quarter the Warriors scored
on a 30 yard pass midway through the 2nd quarter the 2 point
conversion was unsuccessful.
During the third quarter both teams found
it hard to move the ball.
The fourth quarter started and it was our
last opportunity to put a score on the board. A potentially
career threatening injury to 15 year veteran Craig Francisco
was inspiration the Rangers needed.
Two plays after the incident the Rangers
Defense scored on a fumble recovery as Aaron Collins returned
the fumble for a 30 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion
was completed by Quarterback Lachlan Fuller running in a broken
pass play.
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Round 1 - Bye
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