18 June 2001
The Press
Rangers rebounded from an early reversal to hammer Nomads United 7-2 and keep their hopes of winning the Federation Six premier soccer league very much alive. A goal in the opening minute at Tulett Park by Eli Doornebal rocked Rangers and the Nomads pressure was still on even after Tony Wilson equalised from a free kick after 15min.
After Doornebal slammed home his second goal, Nomads went to the break with a 2-1 lead. But when play resumed the bubble burst.
Shem Banbury found the back of the net twice, and Wilson got his second, but the man of the half was Jason Stapley who celebrated his last game for Rangers before heading overseas with a hat-trick.
The big win helped maintain the status quo at the head of the premier league table. Rangers retains third on 32 points, just one behind Western and three behind league leader Halswell United, which both had wins.
Halswell accounted for Avon United 4-0 at Halswell Domain. Golden Boot leader Keith Grosvenor added two to bring his season tally to 14 with team-mate Matt Smith bringing his total to 12. Keith Purcell was the other scorer.
Western had to battle hard for its 2-1 win over Universities at Walter Park.
Nelson Suburbs scored three goals in the last 15min to beat New Brighton, 4-1, at Bexley reserve while Christchurch City avenged its earlier loss to Mid-Canterbury with a 5-0 win at Garrick Park.