The Rangers used their home-ground advantage at Jones Oval to defeat Ballarat Eureka Strikers 6-0 on Sunday. The result kept the women’s Rangers on top of the ladder after nine rounds and sent the Strikers tumbling from second to third. It is the second time this season the Rangers have dealt harshly with the Strikers, having defeated them 7-0 in round five.

The star of the Rangers’ win on Sunday was Scottish recruit Fiona Jackson who scored a hat-trick of goals.

It was was the first time Jackson had appeared on the score sheet in her nine matches with the Rangers.

Other goal scorers were Kelsey Reade, Laura Mirtschin and Bella Mpoyo. The Rangers’ dominance continued through the day, with three goals in each half. The win was a pleasing result for the Rangers, given they suffered a 3-0 loss to Ballarat SC the previous week.

Defender Emily Whelan was one of the stars of the Rangers’ win. Whelan is an established member of the line-up, having played in its last premiership in 2016.

She said the team was well placed.

“We have been playing really well as a team, we have stepped it up a notch,” Whelan said.

“All the players are really passionate about their soccer and we have a good group together this year.”

The Rangers’ men’s team defeated Sebastopol Vikings SC 4-1 at  Sebastopol.