Rangers ready to claw back ground on leaders

glenm@thechronicle.com.au TOOWOOMBA Rangers are confident of being free of any lingering Christmas hangover when they resume their Pacific League season in Ipswich tomorrow.

Rangers and Musketeers return from a four-week recess to resume their keen season rivalry in a round 16 clash.

Muskets went into the break holding a commanding competition lead and, with only six regular season rounds remaining before the play-offs, Rangers are strongly favoured to hold down second spot to set up a finals meeting for the pair.

Rangers coach Darryl Luchterhand said his team’s focus was already on next month’s grand final.

“I can’t see us catching Ipswich at this stage,” Luchterhand said.

“But I think we should safely hold on to second spot and we are already looking to the grand final.

“It looks like we are going to be at full strength on Sunday, which we haven’t been all season.

“Everyone is in good health after the break and we had a good session last night.”

Rangers pitching will once again centre on Sam McNeice and Jason Kirkland while Luchterhand is

Daylan Laramee has been outstanding for us with the bat and I really expect him to step up during the next six weeks

confident the team’s improved hitting power will hold them in good stead at the back end of the season.

“Sam was outstanding last time we played Muskets and he’ll start for us on Sunday with Jason to come on and relieve,” Luchterhand said.

“If we can stay in touch with Muskets and see off their American pitcher (Ryan Torrey), I think we can give the game a real shake.

“Our hitting line-up is really starting to come together.

“Daylan Laramee has been outstanding for us with the bat and I really expect him to step up during the next six weeks.”