Liam Stauber launches into a shot on goal for Monbulk’s under-15 Bears.
By Rebecca Torsello
THE Monbulk Rangers under-15 Bears defeated Croydon 3-1 on the weekend.
Both teams played well, although the ball was in Monbulk’s forward half for most of the game.
Monbulk had to fight hard to secure its chances. Michael Park scored after following through on a strike by Liam Stauber. Max Rechner also scored.
Despite notching up a win, Monbulk lacked intensity in its tackling.
Adam Doolan played an outstanding match as sweeper, preventing many of Croydon’s goal-scoring opportunities. Christian Rees was named player of the match.
The Rangers’ under-13/14 girls played with hustle and intensity throughout the game in their 2-1 win over Ringwood.
After bombarding Ringwood’s goal in the first half, Jacquelene Horsburgh scored for Monbulk, sending the side into the major break at 1-0.
Monbulk continued to dominate in the second half, despite playing against a heavy breeze.
Emma MacDonnell scored to put Monbulk up 2 – 0. Ringwood then rallied to make it 2 – 1, but Monbulk – with the help of newcomers Keira Durrant and Maddy Graue – held on for a thoroughly deserved home win.
The women’s reserves suffered their first loss of the season, going down 1-0to Cairnlea in what was a devastat-ing result for the previously undefeated team.
The game was Monbulk’s first real challenge this season and it was an evenly matched contest with both teams having chances at goal.
The sides went into the half deadlocked at 0-0 but Cairnlea had more urgency, which eventually enabled it to land the knock-out blow.
Monbulk was unlucky not to score after several well-placed shots hit the crossbar.
