ON THE weekend, at the home of the mighty Mitchell Ranges Soccer Club, a gala event warmed up the homeside crowd and the visitors from Macedon Ranges Soccer Club.
The only soccer club in Mitchell Shire held their first senior women’s local derby to celebrate girls and women in football, and Mitchell Shire Chief Executive Mary Agostino attended to toss the coin for the women’s match and to take part in the presentations.
In the main match of the day, the Ranges played a cracking game of football with the final score of 6-0, in favour of the home side.
Stella Catton has been with the club for four seasons and said she was encouraged to train with the women’s side: “I trained once and was registered by that weekend.”
“Fun fact, I’m the oldest on the team (40), but I can still keep up with the young’uns. I’m a committee member, soccer mum and left winger for the senior women’s. I love the club for the people. From volunteers, to parents, to players, everyone is there for such a positive reason,” she said.
Catton also said the highlights of the day included the junior players walking the senior women out for their match and Mary Agostino recognising women in sport during her pre-match speech.
“Macedon Rangers being a good competitive side that to have only formed last week and haven’t ever played a game together, and the amazing club spirit from all the supporters also made the day one to remember for the hardworking Mitchell Shire Rangers Soccer Club.”
Rangers had a tough time in its Saturday afternoon men’s match against Greenvale United, losing 6-1 in its senior match up.
Rangers had a tough time in the opening half, conceding a goal in the sixth minute as Greenvale United got on the scoreboard right away.
Rangers held out for 20 minutes as they looked for a pathway back into the game, but it was not forthcoming, as United’s pressure was telling, forcing an own goal from William Mulvey in the 26th minute.
Another goal in the 39th minute meant it was 3-0 at the main break.
Rangers were hoping to come out of the break re-energised, but instead, United went to another gear to start the second half and recorded three goals in nine minutes to make it 6-0.
However, Rangers had a positive finish to the game, with Levent Gulec scoring in the 73rd minute to give Rangers a good moment for the afternoon.
In the reserves’ matchup, Rangers were outclassed by Greenvale, losing 4-1.
A goal in the eighth minute put Rangers on the back foot immediately, but they did hold out for 23 minutes as they looked to equalise.
However, United found a way through to make it 2-0 at the main break, before adding a third in the 65th minute.
Rangers found a breakthrough in the 78th minute through Avtar Singh to make it 3-1, and were hoping for a good finish, but United managed a fourth goal in the 83rd minute.
