The Croydon Rangers knew the opening to their season was going to challenging with matches against last years two VicBowl contenders in first two rounds of the season. Following a disappointing home loss in the season opener, the Rangers turned their attention to the 2016 champion Monash Warriors, trying to avoid dropping to an 0-2 start.
In incredibly windy conditions, both teams looked to the run game to move the ball, with the wind wreaking havoc on the passing game of both teams early. The Warriors started stronger, with Australian RB Luke Jackson pounding the ball along the ground. The Warriors secured a converted touchdown on their opening drive, and signs looked ominous for the Rangers.
The party is still raging at Croydon’s Springfield Reserve after the Croydon Rangers women’s team claimed the VicBowl, the state grand final of gridiron, with a 12-7 win over the Melbourne Uni Chargers on Saturday.
The Rangers entered the decider on the back of a perfect 7-0 regular season and a win over the Geelong Buccaneers in the semi-final.
The Rangers offence started with the ball but, for most of the first quarter, possession seesawed between the sides until Australian running back Tanya Russell charged 30 yards for the first touchdown of the day.
It was to be the only score for the half and the Rangers went to the break with a 6-0 lead.
Another weekend of mixed results for our local gridiron club the Croydon Rangers.
Both the Senior women’s team and under 19’s colts squad headed up to DR Atkinson Reserve in Reservoir for the 3pm and 6:30pm matches respectively.
Offensive Lineman Vanessa Brown celebrates a Touchdown with QB Bliss Love
Photo: John Torcasio
In the 5th round of competition, The women’s Rangers were facing an unfamiliar opponent, the rookie Monash Warriors women’s team. Coming out of a 36-8 win against the Pakenham Silverbacks last weekend, the ladies were sitting 4-0, undefeated at the top of the Gridiron Victoria ladder. The Warriors, also fresh from a convincing win over the Ballarat Kestrels were keen to bring their win-loss tally to 3-2.
