Dazzling Div 1 debut
From initial loss, Rangers turn into dominators
GEELONG Rangers senior women’s team has secured the local Geelong Region Women’s Division 1 title in its debut season.
The win was secured prior to last weekend’s Round 16 games but was celebrated by its dazzling 6-1 win over the reigning league champions Drysdale SC last weekend.
The Bell Post Hill club had expressed a strong desire in recent years to reform a senior women’s team and the dream was finally realised in the recent off-season when the club appointed experienced coaches Mick Opperman (head coach) and Mike Chapman (assistant) to lead the new team.
After the squad was boosted by the inclusion of several former Galaxy United U19 players, the club made an official application to fill the vacant spot in Division 1 which was ultimately accepted by the FFV competitions department.
Despite losing their first game of the season to reigning Grand Final champions Deakin Ducks 0-1, the Rangers never looked back and dominated the league from that moment on.
The domination culminated with the capturing of the league title which has left Opperman understandably proud of his team’s achievement. “I’m very proud of the girls and the way they have played their football this year,” said Opperman.
“Considering this is our first year in the competition, it is a fantastic effort.
“A special thanks to our hardworking president, Kylie Chapman, who has pushed hard for a senior women’s team at Rangers and this year we managed to get one off the ground,” he added.
The Rangers’ Women have been invited to represent the Geelong region at the second Victorian Country Club Challenge, which will be held in Barooga on October 13-14. They will be joined at the Club Challenge by the Rangers’ Men’s team, who have also secured the league title in the Men’s Division 1 competition.