Ross Junior Rangers met FC Phoenix in a crucial match on Saturday, March 15th. Having only lost two games all season, Rangers only needed a draw against second placed Phoenix to ensure that the league title was theirs. The result was no forgone conclusion. Previous meetings with the talented Phoenix side had resulted in one game a piece, the most recent being a 4 - 2 win that took Ross Rangers through to final of the Hillman's Florist Cup which will take place at Hereford United's ground at Edgar Street. Phoenix started strongly, dominating the play in the first 10 minutes. They always looked the more likely to score first and indeed seized their opportunity after five minute. A well-struck corner deflected off a Ross player and into the net to make it 1 - 0 to Phoenix. This was the wake up call that Ross needed and they upped their game with both sides having several goal opportunities. Calum M came on for Kieran in midfield to work with Taylor. Callum W (Dave) and Jay got near the net, but the ball refused to go in. Leo joined the play coming on for Jay. Strong defence from Luke and Todd, and the consistent goal keeping of Max, kept the score to 0 - 1 at half time. Some tactical changes saw Kieran return to the field for Taylor and Callum W come on for Todd in defence. This, together with the half-time talk from coach Andrew, ensured that Ross came back on with fighting spirit. Four minutes in, after some dogged and determined play by Leo and Calum M, Kieran continued his amazing tally of goals for the season by striking from the halfway line. The ball slipped by the Phoenix goalie, catching him off guard and the score was level at 1 - 1. The play continued to go first one way then the other, until another superb half way line shot from Kieran sailed past the keeper to put the score at 2 - 1 to Ross. The game was not yet won. Olly came on for Calum M in midfield and continued with strong midfield play, Rangers were passing well now and threatened another goal on several occasions. Jay came back on for Kieran with five minutes to go and Jack replaced Dave up front. The Ross Juniors team showed excellent grit and determination to come back from 1 – 0 down to win 2 – 1 and they deserved to claim the League title. The 'Kangaroo' Charlie man of the match award had to be shared by Olly and Leo in midfield, for their outstanding efforts. The post match celebratory sausage and chips came courtesy of the Mighty Eight, where the boys thanked coach Andrew Young for his efforts this season. Ross Rangers will now have to play the winners of the B League in a decider for the Under 9 Championship, on a date yet to be confirmed. The League winning Ross Juniors U9 Rangers are: Callum W (Dave), Callum W, Calum M, Jack W, Jay R, Kieran Y, Leo H, Luke G, Max R, Ollie L, Taylor W and Todd W.
