MITCHELL Rangers was able to score a new award coined by Football Victoria thanks to the success of its All-Abilities team.
The team, alongside most of Victoria’s fellow All-Abilities teams, ventured to the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora to play two games throughout the afternoon last Sunday week.
The two games ended with a 5-5 draw against Watsonia DOCS United, and a 4-1 loss to MIE FC Bulleen.
Thanks to club and referee voting, the Rangers earned the Club Spirit Award, brought in by Football Victoria this season.
The Club Spirit Award was voted with a 3-2-1 voting system from fellow clubs and referees.
Mitchell Rangers’ stood out with its outstanding sportsmanship for other clubs, players, teams, referees and officials, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for players and respect, fairness and positivity on and off the field, matching the criteria of the award.
Players, Jarrod, Ben, Deren, Damien, Craig, Davis, Mark, Corey, Jackson, Frank and Brenno, as well as coach Paul Sirianni, revelled in receiving the award.
The news was an incredible fillip for the team, who capped off its last home game of the year with two competitive performances.
After waiting all year, the men’s team finally had a win to show for their efforts.
Against Moreland Eagles on Saturday, Rangers went 1-0 down in the 41st minute, but responded almost immediately, with William Mulvey scoring in the 45th minute to leave it 1-1 at the break.
From the resumption, Rangers attacked almost immediately and were rewarded with a goal from Zac Kennedy in the 53rd minute.
Holding on from there, Rangers took the result they had been seeking all season long, and a much-cherished three points to go with it.
In the women’s competition on Sunday, Rangers were competitive against Upfield in their final game in state league 3 North.
For a second straight game, Rangers opened the scoring, with Stella Catton obliging in the 15th minute.
However, Upfield had an equaliser in the 22nd minute, and with scores level at the break, Upfield came out stronger in the second half, scoring two goals to win 3-1.
