WHO ARE THOSE RANGERS?

The Grange Rangers are a local Brisbane soccer team of talented individuals. Formed out of a dream 4 years ago, they entered into reality on March 11^th, 1998.

Their story starts with a the important figure during the year of '96. Playing for a North-Side Commercial League (NCL) side called North Pine, Merrick Peisley attracted to the team by former mentor Paul Crilly, played fullback during 'Pines' glory years. 'Pine' always were a troubled team, led by a combination of Yorkshiremen, Geordies and Australians the team failed to enter Division 1 of the NCL during 1996. After the infamous 'missed' 90^th minute penalty by Dave Sterling, the team was relegated to the NCL's Division 2. Mired with the likes of Bribie Island, Virginia and other provincial teams 'Pine' surprisingly excelled. Good results saw 'Pine' make their first NCL finals appearance. Largely due to the excellence of Chris Wall, a retired wannabe AFL player as goalkeeper, 'Pine' won a hard fought victory against a determined North Star outfit. Although tragedy struck during the major semi-final where Wall received a broken hand during a sickening clash with an opposing attacker, 'Pine' struggled on. Victory was ensured in extra time in the Grand Final after a stunning 'Golden Goal' by Mal Charlton. The good times were seemed here to stay.

Many of footballs legend's have commented that 'what a difference a year makes', and with 'Pine' there was no exception. Convinced of the teams invulnerability, manager Mal Charlton convinced a skeptical NCL to enter the 'champions' into the dizzy heights of Division 1. What seemed like lunacy became a haunting reality, defeat after defeat by a poorly motivated side saw the team numbers drop to unmanageable levels. As it turned out, 1997 was to be 'Pines' last year. Sadly, the results had made the team distraught, several forfeits ensured its quick demise.

However, behind the dark clouds were the silver lining that was required for all success stories. Two friends of Peisley were conscripted into the failing 'Pine' cause. Mark Ellerman and his cousin Troy made their debuts in the disastrous season. Having no experience and thrust into the dizzy heights of Division 1 NCL football, the "Ellermen" learned the skills necessary. Mark came from a tough labor family where might meant right, Troy was the educated engineer that chose the rigors of goalkeeping as his craft. Wanting to express their individual flair, skill and creativity the three men persisted on a field that at times resembled a road base and sand pit. At the seasons end, 'Pine' had little more than 8 registered players. Their existence was at an end.

Many revolutionary thoughts were expressed during the off-season of 97-98. Mark, Merrick and Troy consulted those who had been 'Pine' stalwarts. Dave Sterling, Ray and Paul Crilly (back from outback exploration), and lawyer Rafal Zakrzewski were all instrumental in shaping the 'dream'. A plan was hatched to form a new team at the new base of Goverley Field. Located out of the way and on a soft surface, inquiries were made into the hiring of the field. The reception was positive and team looked certain to have its new home at West Side Soccer Club. Before any plans were to be made an inspection of the fields lights needed to be made, a mere formality it appeared. Delight turned to dismay as the lights illumination was nothing more than a cars headlights stuck to a pole. A contingency plan needed to be hatched and fast.

About this time Troy had decided to take it upon is shoulders to manage the theoretical team. Inquiries were made at Grange Thistle Soccer Club, Brisbane's oldest club of 80 years. Grange were delighted to accommodate a second commercial league team and they were soon established. A plan was hatched to hold a pre-season BBQ where new players were integrated into the team framework. A new sponsor had been found and spirits were high (alcohol induced). However, the sponsor soon withdrew his support and the team, ready to play, was left without a strip of any kind. Grange came to the rescue with the loan of an old strip that would set the Grangers on their way.

The first season of the 'Grangers' was on its way. A typical first round cup exit saw the team slowly take shape. It took time before they won their first game, eventually in a 3-2 victory over North Star. The performance was matched only by the after-match celebrations. Inspired by Patrick Greatrex and other notables, the team performed admirably. Once they had tasted victory they wanted to play better. No doubt the turnaround of the season was at Redcliffe. It was a crisp night, morale was boosted by the admission of a new player Liam Tucker, Greatrex's friend. Redcliffe started the better side and after some uncharacteristic mistakes, they had effectively killed game after the third goal had been scored. After a half time reshuffle and a frank team talk, the 'Grangers' came out firing. Patrick scored a bending shot past the keeper that started the fightback, Greg Crochetti struck another past the keeper off a well rehearsed throwin. The 'Grangers' were on fire and creating chances at will. Liam Tucker had proved to be a crucial midfield find that played no small part to the grand finale of the game. A long ball was played to Dave Sterling, who promptly flicked on for Merrick Peisley to score the equalizing goal. The team went berserk, and even a spirited fightback and some superhuman saves by Troy Ellerman couldn’t stop the Grangers from earning a remarkable 3-3 result. The season provided many such moments of glory, the team combining for a 89^th minute win to send off Patrick Greatrex to Sweden was one such moment.

Now the 'Grangers' have recruited heavily and after two wins on the trot in their pre-season fiendlies they now start their attack on the NCL: for '99. Onward and upward.

Story by Mezz. All characters portrayed are real, the names are real too…bugger the truth.