RANGERS FC scooped back to back titles in the Solbrew Women’s league and Knockout competitions respectively.
The Matai Vave coached side was impressive performances culminated in deservedly securing both titles for 2006 season.
Rangers prevailed over Marist in the Women’s Grand Final match thanks to a 5-3 win in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Rangers won the league proper earlier this month when they beat Junior Flamingo 4-0 in the grand final and were eager to secure the knockout title as well.
Their match with Marist started off slowly with both teams wary of each other. However, Marist settled down quickly and was moving the ball around swiftly in search of goals.
But possession did not turn into goals and it was Rangers that drew first blood when their goalkeeper, Regina Kosui, sensationally scored to give her team an early lead.
As the match wore on, Marist stepped up their attack and was duly rewarded when their mobile striker Betty Maenu saw an advancing Rangers goalkeeper coming off her line to strike home the equalizer.
Locked 1-all at halftime, both teams came back more determined. Marist seized the opportunity and was rewarded when Betty Maenu thumped home their second goal.
Complacency robbed Marist of a seemingly likely win in regulation time after they led for a longer period in the second half.
Rangers’ determination grew as the match wore on and they capitalized on a Marist defensive blunder to score the equalizer and forced the match into extra time.
None of the teams was able to score in extra time forcing it to go into penalty shootout to decide the winner.
A piece of brilliance by Rangers custodian who stopped two shots set the scene for their double victory.
REGINA Kosui was the toast of her side’s win over Marist in the grand final of the women’s knockout competition on Wednesday at Lawson Tama.
She made two brilliant saves to eliminate Marist after both teams tied 2-all in their match.
An experienced goal keeper, Regina also won the “goalkeeper of the tournament” award during the presentation of prizes.
Winning women’s soccer teams received medals besides cash prizes and trophies they won in the Solbrew Women’s league and knockout competition.
The medals were awarded to the three top teams in the Women’s knockout competition besides cash prizes they won.
Rangers’ was awarded gold and $2,000 for coming first, Marist (silver medal & $1,000 cash) and Junior Flamingo (bronze medal & $800 cash). KOSSA secured $500 for coming fourth.
In the Solbrew league, Rangers won the trophy and $4,000 cash while Junior Flamingo, Marist and Las United won the other three prizes respectively. Flamingo got away with $3,000, Marist ($2,000) and Las United ($1,000).
Consolation prizes were for golden boot, Fairplay, best and fairest player and best goalkeeper.
Mary Dongai (Koloale FC) and Layda Samani (Junior Flamingo) scored 13 goals apiece in the competition and were rewarded duly.
Las United won the fairplay award, while best and fairest award was won by Marist’s Betty Maenu. Rangers’ goalkeeper Regina Kosui received the “best goalkeepers” award.