RELIEF FOR RANGERS
RONNIE RETURNS
GEELONG Rangers’ battle to stave off relegation in State 2 North West has been bolstered by the unexpected return of prodigal son Ronnie Clayson ahead of a vital “sixpointer” against fellow strugglers Westvale tomorrow.
The former captain of Rangers’ State 2 rivals and near neighbours Corio, the tough-tackling Clayson returns to the club where he amassed more than 300 junior and senior games over a career spanning two decades.
“I had my first training session with the team on Tuesday and it just felt right. Felt like I had never left,” Clayson said.
When asked what it meant to have Clayson back at Rangers, coach Stuart Begg could hardly contain his excitement.
“We have lacked experience and structure in our backline due to injuries this year, so Ronnie will bring both as well as (great) leadership,” he said.
“When I heard he was looking for a change from Corio, it was an easy decision for both Ronnie and Rangers. It will be great to have him back home.”
Clayson, meanwhile, was glowing in his praise for his now former club.
“I loved the time I spent at Corio. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what they have achieved and are continuing to do so. They are a great club.”
“But I always intended to return to Myers Reserve at some point and just felt now was the right time. I’m now firmly focused on Saturday and our game with Westvale.”
He returns to the embattled Myers Reserve outfit at a time when the Rangers find themselves in 10th spot on the ladder, just three points above second-last placed Westvale — tomorrow’s opponents.
Although reluctant to describe Saturday’s clash as a relegation battle, Begg conceded the away showdown at McKechnie Reserve will be vital for restoring confidence.
“I’m not really looking at it as a relegation game, as we are only nine games into the season,” he said.
“We have 13 games left and a possible 39 points still up for grabs.
“Our recent form has been below what we expect, but I look at this weekend as a game we need to win to get our confidence back.
“Once we have that we hopefully will play to our potential and start building momentum.” GALAXY UTD v Heidelberg td GEELONG v Preston Lions Westvale v GEELONG RANGERS Altona North v GOLDEN PLAINS SURF COAST v North Athletic BELL PARK v Melbourne City Gisborne v LARA UNITED DEAKIN DUCKS v Melton Phoenix BARWON v Moonee Valley Knights
SUNDAY:
Nunawading City v NORTH GEELONG WARRIORS