The Kyneton Rangers Under 12Cs have won their Grand Final 3-0 against a previously unbeaten Strathdale United.
The Rangers started strongly with great passing by Zeke Scott and Flynn Osmond through midfield that led to several shots by players including Finn Bamford which narrowly missed. Strathdale hit back with a shot on goal, which was saved by goalkeeper Charlie Hudson.
The Kyneton defence was very strong though led by Mathew Mertikas, Tarquin Cameron and Kaleb Bertoni-Dengelo repelling several Strathdale attacks.
The Rangers kept pressing though and following some excellent ball control by Lukasz Bankowski and a few more attempts on goal, they finally broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with Tarquin Cameron’s slashing run down the left flank followed by a powerful left foot strike, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Strathdale had an early chance in the second half from a free kick, which looked headed for the top left corner, but goalkeeper Charlie Hudson made a magnificent save with his right hand to deny them once again.
Rangers’ defence was outstanding in the second half with Zeke Scott, Sam Mertikas, Mathew Mertikas and Owen Adams continually stopping Strathdale attacks. However, Strathdale kept trying and they nearly burst through to score at one stage, but their effort was thwarted by Rex Boulton who ran back from midfield to assist the defence.
A key moment came in the 34th minute when a Strath player deliberately touched the ball in the penalty box, handing the Rangers a penalty kick.
Flynn Osmond calmly slotted the goal to double the Rangers advantage.
The hardworking Rangers midfield was mesmerising with constant attacks by Callum Munro, Ernie Rogers, Flynn Osmond and Lukasz Bankowski leading to several more attempts on goal.
Flynn Osmond was everywhere and peppering the goals, when finally a thunderbolt strike in the 51st minute left the Strathdale keeper bewildered and sealed the game for the Rangers.
The Rangers’ win was a brilliant finish to a phenomenal unbeaten season (17-0-0), and coach Daniel Scott was ecstatic with his team.
“I’m just so proud of the boys, they are a very talented group, and they just love to play together, and they really deserved this for all their hard work,” he said.
