Corrimal Rangers have secured the League championship after a 3-1 win to Oak Flats Saturday afternoon at Keith Bond Oval. The Oak Flats Falcons took the challenge of bringing an end to the 17 game winning streak the Rangers brought to the field, but unfortunately couldn’t beat the fighting visitors who had everything to play for. 

It was Corrimal who was dominating the play throughout the match, keeping high pressure on the Falcons the entire game.

Corrimal Coach John Fleming was ecstatic with the result, “We dominated the whole game but didn’t really get into it until the second half and then when we had the send-off, they all raised their game and we dominated even more.” With three games to go, Fleming thinks that the advancement to the Premier League (should they be accepted) and an undefeated season is a brilliant achievement for the team and is excited about what next season will bring.

The game began with both sides hot on their feet, with an entertaining first half as both teams gave everything on the soggy field. The first half produced many chances for both sides, but unfortunately these chances going begging. It was a fierce game with both sides fighting strong in an intense fixture.

The first promising shot on goal was in the 35^th minute from Corrimal, as Mark Picciolini's shot wizzed past the post. Five minutes later, a free kick by Vasko Mitkovski found David Bescos unmarked however he couldn't keep his header down.

Scores were locked at 0-0 at the break.

The second half began with both teams fighting hard to break the deadlock. Only five minutes in, a bad challenge between the Falcons Jason Murdzevski and Corrimal’s David Bescos turned into a scuffle between the teams, with Bescos being sent off the field.

This, ine would have thought would have spurred the home side but it seemed to have the opposite effect with Rangers putting their foot pon the gas so to speak.

Seconds later, Corrimal created a promising chance as Christopher Stevanovski produced a strong shot on target from 20 yards, but it was Ben Wunsch who jumped to his left and produced a fine save to deny him.

Only a minute later, a corner by Stevanovski seemed to creat some confusion in the Falcon’s defence and the ball richocheted off Falcons' Mathew Cesta into the goal giving the Rangers the lead they perhaps deserved.

A short time later, Save Treneski made it 2-0 after seeing his rasping shot from 20 yards rip into the top right hand corner of the goal giving Wunsch little chance.

Two goals in two minutes put the Rangers in a commanding position with 10 men.

Ten minutes later though, the Falcons came fighting back, as Brenton Burke ran the ball down the right shoulder, passing through Corrimal’s defence. His shot from the right unfortunately went over the crossbar for th home side just as they looked like they might score.

Oak Flats managed to pull a goal back on 64 minutes after some handy lead up work by Samuel Bosowiec who manged to cross the ball towards the left of the goals. It was met by Brent Lloyd whose attempted shot was blocked by Mitchell Blowes however the ball sat up nicely for Joshua De Gouveia who tapped the ball into an open goal giving the home side some hope.

Still with the lead, Corrimal were not sitting back, and in the 73^rd minute esentially sealed the game when Mark Picciolini produced a fine pass to Treneski who neatly tucked the ball away under the advancing Wunsch to make it 3-1.

That is how the game ended. An emotional victory for the Rangers as they celebrated winning the League in style. As a consequence, they have earned the right to be promoted to the Premier League for next season after an undefeated season so far for the team that has dominated this competition. .

 

Saturday 6^th August, Keith Bond Oval, Oak Flats.

Referee: Nicholas Ryan

Assistant Referees: Michael Bell, Keelum Harrison

 

Oak Flats Falcons: Ben Wunsch, Brenton Burke, Gary Newall, Mathew Cesta (OG 51’), Jason Murdzevski, Daniel Munilla, Jamie Stevenson, Lorri Manfredi, Christian Cappetta, Brent Lloyd, Joshua De Gouveia (64’), Samuel Bosowiec, Stephen Jovanovski, Daniele Pisani, Brady Eagleton, Chris Jarman.

 

Corrimal Rangers: Mitchell Blowes, Vasko Mitkovski, David Bescos, Andrew Nanos, Gavin O’Brien, Paul Guido, Kolan Hmda, Domenic Magill, Mark Picciolini, Christopher Stevanovski, Save Treneski (53’, 73’), Melih Yilmaz, Fabian Cappetta, Christian Plakias, Matthew Cuda, Nickolas Purdevski.

Report: Lauren Ferri (@lauren_ferri)

Photo courtesy of Pedro Garcia (library image)