Warrnambool Rangers are building momentum towards another Ballarat and District Soccer Association finals campaign with a 6-3 victory over Victoria Park at Jones Oval on Sunday.
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The Rangers, which have cemented second spot on the division one open ladder, played their final home game in trying conditions.
While leading 5-1 at half-time, coach Cameron Pyke was happy to come away with the points unscathed after having to defend against the wind in the second half.
“We were able to get in front early and hold our nerve to go into half-time with a lead,” Pyke said.
“The conditions down in Warrnambool were pretty tough – it was pretty muddy, windy and wet.
“We definitely didn’t take any luxuries in knowing we were up with a good lead at half-time. We still went out there and played a strong second half.”
Victoria Park brought the pressure in the second half, scoring two goals to one.
“With the amount of attacks they had, it was just inevitable that they were going to get one or two in the back of the net,” Pyke said.
But the team was able to adapt to conditions well and as a result was able to produce some good ball movement.
“We just stuck to short passing and when you play short on muddy ground, it means you can transition the ball through the defence, to the midfield, then to attack a bit better,” Pyke said.
“Often teams resort to kicking the ball long, but we made it a focal point to try and play short to put us in good stead for finals.”
Pyke, Clinton DeMartin and Ryan Bail each scored two goals with Pyke praising his fellow goal scorers for their strong partnership throughout the season.
With just one round of the season left, Pyke said the team had been thinking about finals since the first game and had tried to consolidate its game style to suit the pitch at Morshead Park.
“Now we’ve been set in second place for the last couple of weeks, we’ve been looking to make sure we get through the games without any injuries and manage the players,” Pyke said.
“We’ve just been really happy with how we’ve progressed through the season and it has been tough with the conditions.”
In other division one open games, Ballarat North United and Ballarat drew in a Saturday night clash at Morshead with two goals apiece.
Sebastopol Vikings and Forest Rangers also shared the points in a Friday night game at Morshead.
In women’s, Ballarat defeated Ballarat Eureka Strikers, 8-1, while Forest Rangers drew with Ballarat North United 1-1.
