Left: Quenten Wells scored early in the second half for Monbulk, aided by a stunning cross from teammate Nathan McGill.
By Rebecca Torsello
THE Monbulk Rangers men’s seniors are back on top of the ladder, with two games remaining, after defeating Endeavour United 3-2.
The two evenly matched sides were locked 0-0 at half-time in a fast-paced, hard-fought tussle. Endeavour sat third on the ladder heading into the game and had plenty to play for, needing to finish in the top two to secure league promotion.
Quenten Wells scored early in the second half, aided by a brilliant cross from Nathan McGill. Jacco Kerstens scored the other two and, with minutes remaining, the score was 3-1. Endeavour then managed to put another one away in the dying stages.
Monbulk’s hopes of a Division One berth are well and truly alive after this win.
The Rangers Barons have finished the year on the highest of highs – as champions of their league. The team was scheduled to play a bottom-of-the-ladder team but was awarded the points when its opponents forfeited.
The Barons dominated the league all season with Mitcham its only real title threat.
The women’s reserves also finished the season as champions, securing their place at the top with a thumping 9-0 win over Bayswater. With a game still to play, the Rangers’ lead on top of the standings is insurmountable.
But the final scoreline against Bayswater flattered Monbulk, which showed a dip in its recent form.
The side struggled to attack the ball effectively and would have found goals much harder to come by against a stronger opposition. But flashes of midfield brilliance, including a stunning goal from an Amelia Pegg left-foot volley, kept the crowd entertained.
